{"id":250874,"date":"2025-05-26T10:46:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-26T14:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/?p=250874"},"modified":"2026-03-24T11:02:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T15:02:13","slug":"how-can-newcomers-avoid-rental-scams-10-smart-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prepareforcanada.com\/blog\/housing\/settlement-journey\/arrival\/how-can-newcomers-avoid-rental-scams-10-smart-tips","title":{"rendered":"How Can Newcomers Avoid Rental Scams? 10 Smart Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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Rental scams that target newcomers are common in popular settlement cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. The rise of online platforms also makes it easier for scammers to target newcomers and international students. So, it’s vital to know how to spot and avoid scams. Rental scams in Canada are widespread, and the exact number of cases is hard to pinpoint because many people don’t report them. Discover ten tips to avoid costly rental fraud, financial loss, and heartache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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88% of Canadians have been targeted by fraud, and 19% have been victims. More than half of those targeted (56%) did not report it. Scams and fraud cost Canadians $638 million in 2024.  <\/p>Scotiabank<\/a>: Impact of financial fraud on Canadians<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is Rental Fraud?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Rental fraud involves people falsely posing as landlords or property managers to get your money or personal information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As rent prices drop and the supply of rental units increases, newcomers and students remain vulnerable to rental fraud.  According to police, there were 381 reports of rental scams in Toronto in 2024.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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10 Tips to Avoid Rental Scams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Conduct Thorough Research<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Research is your first line of defense. Verify the listing by cross-referencing the address and images. Use tools like Google Maps to ensure the property location matches the description. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scammers often use the same property images for multiple listings. Use reverse image search tools to check if the photos appear on other rental platforms or listings. It’s likely a scam if you find duplicates with different contact information.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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2. Know the Median Rental Price in Your City<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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As part of your research, investigate the median rental price in the city you want to rent. Be suspicious of rental prices well below the median (too good to be true!) It could be a rental scam and a warning that something isn’t right.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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3. Use Rental Platforms that Verify Landlords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Legitimate rental platforms in Canada offer more security measures and verify landlords. These platforms have rules for finding and removing fake listings. Choosing a reputable platform such as Rentals for Newcomers<\/a> will increase your security and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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4. Find Out Who Owns the Property<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The property owner’s name (individual or company) must be on the lease. If it’s not, walk away. Do not accept anyone’s offer to “send the documents to you later.” That’s a rental scam warning sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Conduct a quick online search of the landlord to reveal any previous complaints or issues.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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5. Avoid Cash Deals or Upfront Payments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Cash-only deals are the number one rental scam and a sign that something is wrong because you can’t track cash. It’s a red flag if a landlord asks for cash or an e-transfer. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid cash deals. Read more about rental application tips for newcomers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The same goes for upfront wire transfers or gift card payments. Scammers will ask for these unusual payment methods because they are difficult to trace and recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Scammers ask for a payment or deposit of the first and last month’s rent before you sign the lease or see the property. In some cities, this could easily be $4,000. But they vanish after they get your money. These scams exploit the competitive nature of rental markets, where potential tenants feel pressure to secure a property quickly.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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6. Avoid Subleasing Rental Scams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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While common, subleasing from the original tenant can be the shakiest thing you can get yourself into. Checking whether the tenant has the right to sublease the rental to you is hard. And you can never be sure you’re not becoming part of a rental scam.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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7. Beware of the “Middleman” Rental Scam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Rental scammers use classified websites such as\u00a0Craigslist and Kijiji, posing as a “middleman”\u00a0authorized to rent a place to you. They will meet you at the address (which is usually accurate), but will tell you they can’t access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The scammers find the rental on another real estate platform, take the pictures and description, and place the info into an online ad. The middleman then collects a rental payment, security deposit, and other payments that can be part of a rental agreement and disappear with your money.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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8. View the Property in Person<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Always view the property in person or send a trusted person before you commit. This step lets you check if the property exists. It also allows you to meet the landlord or property manager. If the landlord makes excuses to prevent an in-person viewing, it should raise red flags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Virtual tours can be a useful first step. However, they should not replace an in-person visit. Scammers can easily fake or change online content. They may show a rental that looks amazing online, but when you show up, they show you an inferior rental at the same price.
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9. Sign a Written Lease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Verbal or handshake agreements are another tool rental scammers use. So, always sign a hard copy of the rental agreement (or lease). A hard copy is preferable, but e-leases are becoming common. The agreement should include the landlord’s name and address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A lease agreement outlines the rental terms, price, and conditions. Beware of vague language or missing clauses. A lease protects the landlord and the tenant, ensuring they understand their rights and duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If possible, ensure the landlord is present when you both sign the lease and get a copy. The lease should include the landlord’s name, address, and telephone number.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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10. Work with a Real Estate Agent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A licensed real estate agent can help you find a rental<\/a>, making your search easier and safer. Real estate agents have access to legitimate landlords, can help you find the rental you want, and reduce the risk of getting scammed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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How International Students Can Avoid Rental Scams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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International students are prime targets for rental scams. When searching for housing, contact the school’s off-campus housing office. They can recommend and connect you with trusted landlords and property managers. If you’re searching for student accommodation<\/a>, find out the key things to consider. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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