Short term sublet in London - any tips for security?

[Asswholes]

My DD and friend have found a 2 bed flat to rent for 2 months in central London. The couple (not sure if they own or rent) are off on honeymoon for 2 months. They found it on FB (not viewed it yet).

Any advice on Qs to ask and how to set up payment securely would be appreciated.

Also worried if there are scams about etc?

They need to find out if the couple are owner or tenant themselves. Or they could be nobody! There was a bbc or itv documentary not so long ago about scammers renting airbnbs then posing as landlord to let the property out.

Most tenancy agreements dont allow sub-letting. If the couple claim they are owner - you can invest £3 in a land registry search to check the name.

Dont make any payment until you know for sure they are legit.

Has your DD looked up the likes of Travelodge? Tiny room but they should be out and about most of the time. And of course airbnb.

Yes that will be the first Q - just wanted some ideas to check all was legit and not a scam.

More for if she moves in, I'd be checking for hidden cameras.

How do you do that?

You don't ask the couple this, you check via the land registry website.

https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

I'd rent via air b&b rather than Facebook or sometimes estate agencies have short term tenancies. Depending on when they are renting, universities let out rooms & flats in halls of residences during the summer holidays.

https://stayatlse.co.uk/

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/visit/summer-accommodation/

@Asswholes

https://reolink.com/blog/how-to-detect-hidden-cameras/