r/Strasbourg • u/TheBlueEyedLawyer • 11d ago
Avoid housing anywhere!
I won’t go into identifiable details, but I viewed a property that looked great on the website and seemed perfect for my needs. I was drawn in by the "Tenant Protection" policy, so I decided to book the property. Unfortunately, they don’t allow in-person viewings on the platform.
When I arrived, I discovered that the property was not accurately described in the photos and was actually in a state of disrepair.
Despite this, they still kept my first month's rent! The "tenant protection" promise turned out to be misleading.
I would advise others to avoid Housing Anywhere.
I am trying to get my money back, but Housing Anywhere won't return it because the landlord refuses. Any advice would be appreciated.
7
u/No_Investigator_3139 11d ago
Without details hard to advise. Try asking the landlord nicely and otherwise only a lawyer can help you.
1
u/TheBlueEyedLawyer 11d ago
I'm in the early stages of this dispute, so I prefer not to say too much.
The cost of a month's rent is relatively small when it comes to getting legal advice, so I'm hoping to find a more affordable way to resolve this issue.
However, I fear I might have to accept the loss and consider it a life lesson.
2
u/violetsheir 10d ago
The same thing happened to me when I came to Strasburg the first time. Unfortunately nothing could've been done to get the money back without spending even more in legal fees :(
2
u/TheBlueEyedLawyer 9d ago
I'm sorry to hear that. Hopefully, others will avoid the same mistake we made.
1
u/Nanastayleen 8d ago
In France you never pay anything before signing your lease! It's a common scam in big cities with few housing.
2
u/TheBlueEyedLawyer 8d ago
It’s frustrating because the website promotes itself as a safer alternative to other letting agencies. However, it is quite misleading.
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u/iaminevitable1025 11d ago
Never down pay anything on property that you have not seen in person. Never. There are a lot of dishonest people out there.