How to spot and avoid rental scams in Canada
The most common rental scams in Canada, the red flags to watch for, and simple steps to protect your money before you send a deposit.
By Leap Editorial · Sep 12, 2026 · 2 min read
When good apartments are scarce, scammers take advantage. Most rental scams follow a few patterns. Learn them and you'll spot one quickly.
Common scams
- The phantom listing. Photos copied from a real listing, a price well below market, and a "landlord" who can't show the unit.
- The overseas landlord. They're out of the country, so they'll mail you the keys once you send the deposit.
- The pressure play. "Lots of people want it. Send the deposit today to hold it."
- The fake agent. Someone poses as a real estate agent. Real agents are licensed by their provincial regulator (such as RECO in Ontario, BCFSA in British Columbia, RECA in Alberta or the OACIQ in Quebec), and you can look them up.
- The ID harvest. They ask for copies of your ID, SIN and banking details before you've even seen the place.
Red flags
- The rent is far below similar places nearby
- No in-person or live video viewing
- Pressure to pay before you see the unit or sign a lease
- Payment by wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency
- A request for more than a first month and a last month's rent deposit
- Spelling of the address or details changes between messages
Protect yourself
- View it first, in person or by live video where you can ask the person to show specific things.
- Verify who you're dealing with. For condos, you can ask for proof of ownership or authority to lease. Check agents on the RECO public register.
- Never pay before you sign. And never pay more than your province allows. In Ontario that's the first month's rent and a last month's rent deposit of up to one month. In British Columbia a security deposit is capped at half a month's rent.
- Use traceable payment, and get a receipt.
- Search the photos. A reverse image search can show if the photos appear in other listings.
- Trust your instincts. If it feels rushed or too good to be true, walk away.
If you've been scammed
Report it to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, contact your bank right away, and keep all messages and receipts.
How Leap helps
Every application on Leap stays in the app, with a full record of who you've talked to and what's been agreed. Leap never asks renters to pay to apply. Browse rentals.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord ask for before I move in?+
It depends on the province. In Ontario, typically the first month's rent and a last month's rent deposit of up to one month. In British Columbia, a security deposit of up to half a month's rent. In Quebec, a landlord can't require a deposit.
How do I check if an agent is real?+
Real estate agents are licensed by their provincial regulator, such as RECO in Ontario, BCFSA in British Columbia, RECA in Alberta or the OACIQ in Quebec. Each has a public register you can search.
