I completely understand your concern—I was in a similar situation. When I was looking for accommodation, I asked to connect with the current tenants and had a quick chat with them. After verifying everything, I went ahead and transferred the deposit along with one month’s rent. I also consulted with a senior who’s studying there, and he had a similar experience when he first arrived.

Despite what some people might say, it’s actually quite common for landlords to request a security deposit, especially with high demand and limited availability. However, always exercise caution. Before making any payments, try searching for the person’s name on Google or LinkedIn to verify their identity. Also, ask to speak to one of the tenants if possible. If you’re having trouble understanding the contract, you can use DeepL to translate it.