GaffSwipe

Safety guide

How to spot a rental scam, and how to stay safe meeting landlords and housemates.

GaffSwipe never handles money. We don't take deposits, holding fees or rent. If anyone asks you to pay "through GaffSwipe", or says we're holding your money, it's a scam.

The golden rules

  1. View it before you pay. See the property in person, or on a live video call where the landlord walks you round. Pre-recorded videos and photos aren't enough.
  2. Never send ID documents over chat. Right to Rent checks happen once a tenancy is agreed, in person or through the Home Office online service.
  3. Be wary of urgency. "Someone else wants it, pay today" is the most common scam line.
  4. If it seems too cheap, ask why. We send listings priced well below the local average to a person for review, but take care anyway.
  5. Keep conversations in the app until you've viewed the place. Moving you to WhatsApp early is a warning sign, and outside the app we can't see what happens.

Know your rights as a tenant in England

  • A holding deposit can't be more than one week's rent.
  • A tenancy deposit can't be more than five weeks' rent (where annual rent is under £50,000), and it must be protected in a government scheme (TDS, DPS or mydeposits) within 30 days.
  • Landlords and agents can't charge admin, referencing, viewing, inventory or renewal fees.
  • Every listing must show an EPC rating. Most lets need a rating of E or better.
  • Shared houses with 5 or more people from 2 or more households usually need an HMO licence. Ask to see it.

Each GaffSwipe listing shows the deposit, deposit scheme, EPC rating and HMO licence status, so you can check before you enquire.

Meeting housemates from Social

  • Video call first, then meet somewhere public.
  • Tell a friend where you're going and who you're meeting.
  • Don't share your home address until you're comfortable.
  • Social shows posts from verified students only by default. Keep that filter on unless you have a reason not to.

If something feels wrong

  • Report it in the app. Every listing, profile, post and message has a report option, two taps away. We review reports within 24 hours, and within 2 hours for threats or fraud in progress.
  • Block them. Blocked users disappear from your feed, Social and search, and can't message you.
  • If you've lost money, contact your bank straight away, then report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
  • If you're in danger, call 999.

You can also email our safety team at safety@gaffswipe.co.uk.