Red Flag - The “Is this too good to be true?” feeling
- Lower than average monthly rent: the listing is significantly lower priced than other listings in the area.
- The contact person is overly agreeable.
Tips/Suggestions
- Double-check other rentals in the area you're looking at with similar amenities.
- Before committing to anything, ask the property manager/ landlord for detailed expenses including utilities, other renters in the building, etc. and keep a copy of all your communication with them.
Red Flag - Is this property legit?
- Listing is posted on multiple sites under different people/agencies with different contact information and inconsistent information.
- The landlord keeps switching viewing times or is a no-show.
- The landlord is reluctant to provide an address or unit number.
- Are the photos blurry? Do you see the same photos used in another listing? Is the landlord refusing to provide photos.
- Unrealistic photos of properties in Wolfville. Ex. High-end apartments for low rent.
Tips/Suggestions
- Check if the rental appears on other websites and if the information matches.
- View listing photos carefully. Ensure they match the description. Ask for more if required.
- View the listing in person. If you are out of the area, ask someone you trust or use the off-campus housing viewing service.
- Use Google Street View to verify that the property is real and matches the photos and descriptions provided.
- If the listing is on Facebook, take a look at the profile it is being listed by.
- Review lease in depth before signing.
Red Flag - Take note of how you are being asked for payment
- Upfront payments in cash, wire transfer or money order without a way to trace payment options.
- You’re being pressured to sign or send money.
- Asked to pay an application fee or holding fee
Tips/Suggestions
- Only make payment after signing your lease. This should only be by electronic deposit from your bank account or with a credit card or check. Some other larger properties may even have a website with a portal where you can pay online as well.
- Landlords can only legally charge you a security/damage deposit when the lease is signed
Red Flag - Being asked for too much personal information or payment before viewing a property
- Asked to provide a social security number, date of birth or credit card number.
Tips/Suggestions
- Do not give out personal information. Your SIN number is NEVER required by a landlord.
- Request an in-person viewing
Red Flag - Informality
- Landlords will typically want to verify your information and conduct reference checks. This is a necessary part of a landlord’s job to ensure the person they’re renting to is a good match. Avoiding this altogether or rushing through it to try and expedite signing the lease is certainly something to be wary of.
Tips/Suggestions
- Sign a lease agreement. You, as a tenant, need the protection of a lease agreement and a legitimate landlord should be willing to provide a lease agreement.
- Do not enter a lease agreement that doesn’t include a traceable method of payment.
- Educate yourself on what to expect before you rent.
- Trust your instincts.
If you are a victim of a scam...
- Stay calm
- Contact your financial institutions if it involved money being sent
- Contact the police
- Report the incident
- Reach out to the Off-Campus Housing Advisors to support you.
- Protect yourself from future fraud
Learn more about the scams, how to protect yourself, and reporting scams at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.