Safety
Meet before money moves
See the place with your own eyes, or at least on a video call, before any payment. Someone who refuses to meet or presses you to pay “to reserve it” — that's the sign to stop.
Money only against keys
Rent and deposit change hands at the key handover, not before. Home Sublet doesn't move money and doesn't hold deposits — any request to “pay through the site” is a scam.
A signed receipt, always
For every sum that moves — rent, deposit, refund — ask for a signed, dated receipt. A screenshot of the bank transfer is a reasonable substitute.
What the “verified host” tag means
That the host verified a phone or an email, and that at least one person confirmed a reference for them. It isn't a guarantee and it isn't a background check — it means there's someone answering on the other side.
Landlord approval
By law, subletting an apartment needs the landlord’s consent, in advance and in writing. A listing with the “landlord approved” tag comes with a signed approval we keep on file. No tag — ask.
What we will never ask you for
- A password, a login code or card details in a message.
- A payment to Home Sublet for a booking. The one paid service is listing promotion, and only for hosts.
- To transfer money to someone “on our behalf”.
How to report
Every listing and every profile has a “Report” button. Reports reach the team only; the other side never sees them. In an emergency, call 100.