By Yeo Ghim Lay

THINKING of renting a flat? To avoid falling prey to a rental scam, Mr Eric Cheng, executive director of HSR property group, suggests that tenants:

• View the flat first to ensure it is in good condition.
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• Check that the landlord is the rightful owner by asking to see the conservancy charges bill.
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• Pay the deposit with a cheque and only after collecting the key personally. It will be easier to prove that payment was made.
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• Move in as soon as possible.
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• Engage a housing agent. Most established agencies refund deposits if anything goes wrong.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jun 12, 2008