Finding housing in Ontario can be difficult and some people may try to take advantage as you are vulnerable when searching for longer term accommodations. It is important to understand the warning signs of possible scams that are fake rental advertisements and can be posted on various sites.

Here are a few warning signs of possible scams:

• The rental space is:

. Much cheaper than other units in the area

. Posted on multiple websites with different contact information

. Not found or address does not exist on Google Maps

. Looks very different in person than it did in the pictures on the listing

• The landlord:

. Is not available to personally show you the unit and will not let you book an appointment to see the accommodations and confirm condition of the space

. Avoids responding to your specific questions

. Does not include pictures of either the inside or outside for you to view

. Requests personal information such as: Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking information etc. which could be used for illegal purposes

. Requests money to apply to rent the space

. Asks for a large amount of money to rent or extra fees (first/last month’s rent is normal practice – see below)

. Requests that you send money by wire transfer (NEVER e-transfer money without meeting the landlord or before seeing the place to rent)

. Accepts e-gift cards as rental payment

. Requests cash for payments (which cannot be traced/cancelled) without signing a rental agreement

. Tells you that there is a number of people wanting to rent and suggests sending money to secure the space

Victim of a scam?

If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report your situation to the local police.

Some important items to ask yourself, plan and consider before agreeing to any rental accommodations in Canada are the following:

• Budget – What is the maximum amount I can afford to pay each month? How does it compare to other locations?

• Utilities – Does it include internet, electricity, heating, etc. or will I have to pay these after paying for rent? How much is each utility monthly?

• Facilities – Are laundry facilities available? If not, where is the closest laundry facility? How much storage/space do I have access too? Do I have access to outside space? Are there quiet hours? Where does the mail get delivered?

• Public transportation – Is this on a bus route? How far is the nearest bus stop?

• Food – How close is the nearest grocery store?

• Furnishings – Is the room or apartment furnished? Are appliances included? What would I need to purchase?

• Maintenance – Who is responsible for the maintenance of the outdoor space? Will I have to shovel the path and sidewalk in the winter? Do I have to cut the grass in the summer?

• Safety – How safe is the neighbourhood? Are there good locks on the doors and windows?

• Additional Fees – Is a damage deposit required? Is first/last month’s rent required?

• Rental Agreement – What are the terms of the lease? Questions for the owner? Landlords usually ask payment for two months at time of rental – the first month and the last one.

• Payments – When is the rent due each month? How do I make the payments? Will I get a receipt for Canadian Income Tax purposes? Do I need to pay first/last month rent?

• Roommates – Am I sharing the accommodations with other people or the home owner? Is it private? Will I be allowed to find a roommate to reduce the costs?

• Guests – Are guests allowed? Can they stay overnight?