An international student from France has said he was scammed in the process of securing a place to live in Dublin for the academic year.

Antonin, who is studying here lost a month's rent to a fraudulent landlord.

This comes after the French Embassy warned those coming to Ireland to study that rent is "much more expensive than Paris".

It advised that students be vigilant when looking for accommodation and not to fall into scams.

The warning also noted that students and new arrivals face “significant difficulties” finding accommodation and should allow several weeks for a housing search.

Scammed

Speaking to Newstalk, Antonin said he thought everything was above board before arriving at his new place.

"Everything in the contract was clear and right, so I couldn't think about a scam."

"That was just when I arrived at the house that I realised that I've been scammed."

The opposition has described the need for such a warning as "shameful".

"Deep links"

In a statement to Newstalk, the embassy said many French people choose to live in Ireland due to the "deep links" between the two countries.

“We have been made aware of difficulties that people have had finding accommodation after the summer break,” it said.

“French students are the largest contingent of Erasmus students in Ireland. Therefore, our website was updated in order to inform new arrivals about the potential issues they may face.”

The embassy notes that anyone searching for housing in Ireland needs “solid financial guarantees” and references from previous landlords.

French people looking to move to Ireland are also warned that pets are banned from many rental properties.