How to spot a scam dorm listing (and how unidorms verifies)
Red flags Filipino students should watch for on Facebook Marketplace, and why unidorms.ph removes most of that risk.
The four most common scams
“Walking distance to UP” but the address is in Cubao. Always cross-check the address on Google Maps.
Asking for full first-month rent + deposit before you see the unit, via untraceable channels (random GCash, bank transfers to a personal account). On unidorms.ph the only online payment is the Unidorms platform fee — refundable if the landlord cancels or the unit is misrepresented at move-in.
“Listing already taken — try this other one” bait-and-switch. Always insist on the listing you saw.
What unidorms.ph removes
Every landlord submits a government ID + proof of authority over the unit (title or owner authorization). Verified ones show a ✓ Verified Listing badge.
The Unidorms platform fee covers verified-landlord KYC + dispute mediation, and is refundable if you file a valid dispute in the 24-hour window. Rent and deposits are paid directly to the landlord — we never hold them.
After move-in you have a 24-hour move-in guarantee: inspect the unit, and if it isn’t what was listed — wrong room, missing amenities, or you’re denied access — report it within 24 hours of moving in with a few photos. We verify fast and refund your platform fee in full for valid claims — no runaround, we’re on your side.
The platform fee is the only payment we ever take online — we never ask you to send rent or deposits to us. If anyone asks you to wire those, it’s not us.
