To find it odd that this man is asking her to pay IM

[Iftheclouds]

Don’t really know how it works with regards to rooms as I’ve either been in student accommodation or private renting flats/houses. My friend has been told that the next steps in securing her room that she wants to let is to transfer him the months rent in advance and a deposit. I know that’s normal as I’ve that’s happened when I’ve rented but surely if these no tenancy or written agreement she’s got no formal way of proving she’s paid him for the room?

Your OP is a bit confusing.

Has your friends seen the room? Who is she renting it from, the landlord or a flat mate?

If she pays anyone money she needs to get a receipt, so just transferring money to someone's bank account is a very bad idea unless she has some sort of agreement already in place.

Your 'friend' with all these troubles - should she maybe post here herself?
Did she manage to register with a GP yet?

I’m helping her find a room as she’s got a job in the area but only short term. I’ve asked on the community page but haven’t received any response yet.

Sounds dodgy. Is there not some long if landlord register she can check the guy out on to see if this deal is legit?

Kind of landlord register. Not ‘long’

What is the situation, is she going to be a lodger in his home or renting a room in a house of multiple occupants. Has she asked if a tenancy contract is available?

I rent out a property (small house) and always take a deposit and a months rent in advance.

There's plenty of scams out there where 'landlords' take money for rent when they don't even own or have any rights to the property.

She should pay nothing without a written agreement - even that wouldn't mean she's in the clear.

Don’t send money without seeing the place, making sure they’re the landlord and signing an agreement which your friend should have a copy of.

Where did you friend find the advert?

Surely the next step is to get a written agreement so she knows what she’s liable for? I’d not be sending money to any bank account without a written agreement, an invoice and receipt.

This is a well known scam on gum tree and other sites.

He offered a viewing but she’s happy to accept the room without seeing it as it’s short term and the pictures are very clear.

Room is on spare room.

Ask him which deposit protection scheme he uses, then research is you rfriend.

She needs to see the room - he may just have used pictures of property he doesn’t own.

It's her own risk really if she isn't willing to meet him and get a feel of what he's like.
I rent a room in my flat and at some point you have to trust each other. The proof of payment is the email exchange and bank transfer and it's also perfectly reasonable to ask for a contract. But ultimately I think it's quite important to meet each other and get a feel if they seem ok or feel a bit dodge.