Be vigilant, everybody.
Renting in Ireland, particularly in Dublin, is proving to be a massive headache for anyone looking for somewhere to live as prices remain higher than at any point since the height of the Celtic Tiger.
With that in mind, when you spot an advertisement on property websites like Daft.ie it’s important not to be taken in by postings that seem far too good to be true.
JOE reader Hannah Ryan sent us a message on Wednesday evening detailing her experience when she came across an ad for a one-bed apartment in Grand Canal Dock for rent at €600-per-month, including utilities.
She responded to the ad and received the following email in return.
Hello,
My name is Dr. Martin Evans and i am the owner of the apartment at 4 Parkhouse, Benson street, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
The apartment has 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, 1 bathroom and a surface of 86 m2.
Is available for rent at Eur 600 per month including all utilities (Electricity/Telephone/Cable/
Internet/Water), for as long as you need. Recently renovated the apartment is in a very good condition, very clean and completely livable. The asking rent is lower then the average price requested in that area but not using a letting agent and not paying fees and commissions allows me to ask a lower rental price than others.
The apartment was bought by me in 2010, and I lived there until 4 months ago when my job contract was over and I returned home to England.
Also the apartment is near the public transportation, a gym, and other facilities. The apartment has a parking space for one car. I have spent a great amount of money with the apartment and my request is that you treat it like it was your own.
I am looking for a long term tenancy agreement as I will most definitely never return to Ireland for permanent residency.
Hope you don’t mind answering a few questions:
1. Who will be living in the property and what are their occupations?
2. Are there any children, pets or smokers who will live in the property?
3. How long will the initial tenancy be required for 6 – 12 months – longer etc?
Please let me know if you are seriously interested.
My Regards,
Dr. Martin Evans
=
Hannah subsequently searched for the property and found that it was actually up for sale here.
“When I contacted the letting agent, she told me that the other ad was a scam and that she had been contacted by another concerned individual about it, after which the poster deleted the ad,” she tells JOE.
“I presume that the aim of these ads is to get people to agree to pay a deposit/rent without having viewed the apartment.
“I’d imagine that the elaborate and personable back stories may draw some people in, so I would urge anyone searching for accommodation – students particularly, as they may be the most vulnerable and desperate for a room at this time of year – to insist on viewing any property before paying money or signing a lease, and perhaps also to research the property beforehand, just to be safe.
“I know this may seem obvious to a lot of people, but some might just be desperate enough to agree.”
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