Councillor warns 'rental scams rampant’ in Kilkenny

People searching for private rental properties in Kilkenny are being targeted by scams aimed at depriving potential tenants of substantial amounts of money.

Councillor Andrew McGuinness is warning people to be cautious and to stick to credible local auctioneers and websites.

A number of properties in the city have been advertised on websites such as Facebook Marketplace with rates that are well below the market average and include all utility bills. One property, said to be in Ballybough Street, was advertised for just €600 per month, including bills, using showhouse quality photographs.

Cllr McGuinness told The Kilkenny People he has spoken to a number of people who have responded to the fake ads.

“I have spoken to numerous people who have responded to these advertisements as they are in desperate need of accommodation,” said Cllr McGuinness, speaking to The Kilkenny People.

“When they make contact with the advertiser, they are told that the person is living in another country and using different websites such as Booking.com to manage their properties.”

“The potential tenant is then asked for a month’s deposit and a month’s rent up front. Once it’s paid they never hear from the so called landlord again, leaving those that paid the money in an awful situation,” he said.

“On one occasion I visited the house that was being advertised, simply because I knew from looking at the photographs that the particular property was not the one in the pictures. I spoke to the homeowners who told me that numerous people have called to the house and they were unaware that their address was being used in a scam,” he said.

“This type of scam seems to be widespread now so it’s very important that people searching for private rented accommodation be vigilant. It is definitely a case of if it’s too good to be true, it’s likely not true,” he said.

“These scam artists are relentlessly targeting vulnerable people who are trying to find a home in the middle of a very difficult housing crisis. I know the gardai are doing their best to deal with it but it is very difficult to catch these people who can be located anywhere in the world.”