What are the biggest red flags of a rental scam?

A deal that's far below market, a 'landlord' who refuses to show the unit in person or by live video, pressure to send a deposit before you've seen it or signed anything, requests for e-transfer/wire/gift cards/crypto, a copied listing you can find elsewhere, and a story about being 'out of the country.' Any one of these should stop you cold.

How do I verify a rental listing is real?

Reverse-image-search the photos to see if they're stolen from another listing. Look up the address to confirm it exists and isn't for sale under someone else's name. Insist on an in-person or live video tour. Confirm the person's identity and that they have the right to rent the unit before any money changes hands.

Is it safe to pay a deposit before signing a lease?

No. Never send money before you've seen the unit and signed a written lease. Legitimate landlords collect a deposit at lease signing, using a traceable method — not an e-transfer to 'hold' a place you haven't toured. In Ontario, the only lawful upfront money is a last month's rent deposit and a key deposit.

What should I do if I've been scammed?

Act fast: contact your bank or e-transfer provider to try to reverse or flag the payment, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) and your local police, and report the listing to the platform it appeared on. Keep every message, receipt, and screenshot as evidence.

Home BlogHow to Avoid Rental Scams

CanadaOctober 3, 20266 min read

How to Spot and Avoid Rental Scams in Canada

In a tight rental market, scammers thrive: a gorgeous unit, a price that's too good, and a landlord who just needs a deposit to "hold it." Here are the red flags, how to verify a listing before you pay a cent, and what to do if you've already sent money.

By the LeasePlain Editorial Team · Checked against Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre guidance per our editorial standards·Last reviewed October 2026

The Red Flags

Price well below market. If it's hundreds under comparable units, be suspicious.
"I'm out of the country." A classic cover for why they can't show the unit or meet you.
Pressure to pay fast to "beat other applicants" before you've seen it.
Untraceable payment: e-transfer, wire, gift cards, or crypto.
No in-person or live video tour. This is the biggest tell of all.
Copied listing: the same photos or text appear on other sites under a different name or price.

How to Verify a Listing Is Real

Reverse-image-search the photos to catch stolen images.
Look up the address — confirm it exists and isn't listed for sale by someone else.
Insist on a tour in person or by live video (a pre-recorded clip doesn't count).
Confirm who you're dealing with and that they have the right to rent the unit.
Only pay at signing, using a traceable method, after you've seen a written lease.

Never Pay Before You Sign

No legitimate landlord needs a deposit to "hold" a place you haven't toured. Real deposits are collected at lease signing. In Ontario, the only lawful upfront money is a last month's rent deposit plus a key deposit — anything labelled an "application fee" or "holding deposit" before signing is a warning sign. Know what a landlord can legally ask for before you hand over money or documents.

If You've Already Been Scammed

Contact your bank or e-transfer provider immediately to try to flag or reverse the payment.
Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) and your local police.
Report the listing to the platform where you found it.
Keep all evidence — messages, receipts, screenshots, and the listing URL.