Quick answer. The five recurring mistakes are: paying a deposit before in-person viewing, signing without reading the contract, under-budgeting utilities and council tax, ignoring commute reality, and not documenting move-in condition. Each is free to fix.

Mistake 1: Paying Before Viewing

Deposit-before-viewing is the most common rental scam. See the property (or trusted in-person proxy) before money moves.

Mistake 2: Signing Without Reading

Read every clause. Pressure to sign without reading is the most important signal you will get.

Mistake 3: Under-Budgeting Utilities

1,200 GBP rent on a poorly insulated flat costs more than 1,300 GBP rent on an efficient one once winter bills arrive. Ask for typical utility costs; request the EPC in the UK.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Commute Reality

A 20-minute Google commute is often 40 at rush hour. Test at your actual travel time before committing.

Mistake 5: No Move-In Documentation

Photograph every room and defect on move-in day. Send to the landlord by dated message. This single action is the most important deposit-return safeguard that exists.

Habits That Matter

Save rejected listings to track scam recycling.
Keep all communication in writing.
Pay rent via trackable bank transfer.

Next Step

On your next viewing, photograph systematically before any conversation. Send yourself the images as a timestamped record.