🔍Certain letting agents on Spare Room use unethical practices like bait-and-switch and pressure selling.
❌Sterling de Vere, a well-known agency, has been fined multiple times but still features on Spare Room.
🔒The effectiveness of Spare Room's vetting process for agents is called into question.
📝Unregistered agents operate on the platform, raising concerns about tenant protection.
🚫A fictional lettings agency, Live and Let Die, was able to post listings on Spare Room without verification.
What is bait-and-switch?
—Bait-and-switch is the act of advertising goods or services at an attractive price, but then substituting them with inferior or more expensive options.
How can I ensure the safety of listings on Spare Room?
—While Spare Room claims to vet listings, it is advisable to exercise caution and perform due diligence before making any commitments. Visit the property in person, check reviews and ratings if available, and consider seeking legal advice if necessary.
Are all letting agents on Spare Room untrustworthy?
—No, not all letting agents on Spare Room are untrustworthy. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and do thorough research before engaging with any agent or property.
What can Spare Room do to address these issues?
—Spare Room should implement stricter verification processes for agents, actively monitor and remove listings from unregistered or problematic agents, and work towards improving overall transparency and accountability.
Should I report suspicious listings or agents on Spare Room?
—Yes, if you come across suspicious listings or agents on Spare Room, you should report them to Spare Room's customer service or support team. Provide details and evidence to support your concerns.
00:00Introduction to Spare Room, an online flat and house share platform in the UK.
03:17Highlighting the unethical practices of certain letting agents, including bait-and-switch and pressure selling.
07:39Exposing Sterling de Vere as one of the offending agencies, despite being fined multiple times.
09:57Questioning the effectiveness of Spare Room's vetting process and the presence of unregistered agents.
13:11Demonstrating the ease with which a fictional lettings agency was able to post listings on Spare Room without verification.
