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Tips to prevent rental fraud

March 29, 2019
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Rental fraud is an issue that can affect all students. Cases of rental fraud can increase at the end of semesters, when students are subletting or planning their accommodations for the next year. There are to main types of rental fraud scams: fraudulent renters looking for property to rent and fraudulent properties for rent. Here is more information to help you identify these scams and the precautions you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

Fraudulent Renters Looking for Property to Rent

Fraudulent renters are people who claim to want to rent an apartment or room but actually don't intend to live there. They will send you a fraudulent overpayment (too much money) to cover the rent, then ask you to send the extra money back to them.

How to avoid this kind of scam

  • Check the facts and verify personal information.
  • If the person lives out of country and wants to rent, do not provide your banking information. Have them send you money by e-transfer to an email address specifically designated for such transactions. Do not link to your personal email address.
  • Never return funds that are part of the overpayment. Suggest that the extra funds be applied to the next month's rent.

Fraudulent Properties for Rent

Fraudulent apartments or rooms for rent are often advertised in preferred locations, such as close to the university. The person advertising the property may request that you fill out a questionnaire, which asks for your personal information and banking information. Be cautious about giving out your personal and banking information; it can be used for identity fraud.

Once you accept the offer to rent the property, the person will ask you to send them rent money, often first and last month's rent. Then, when you arrive at the designated time and location to pick up your keys, you will discover that the property doesn't actually exist, or that you have been misled and you don't have a place to live.

How to identify a fraudulent property

  • Does the deal seem too good to be true? If so, it could be a scam.
  • Have you done research to verify that the property exists? 
  • Is the person renting the property pressuring you to sign a contract or to get the deal done quickly?
  • Is the person renting the property not answering your questions?

How to avoid this type of scam

  • If possible, go to the address, or have someone go to the address for you. Schedule a viewing and confirm that the apartment or room is available.
  • Review the rental contract thoroughly. You should not feel pressured or that you have to rush.
  • Do research to learn what a reasonable amount of rent is.
  • Go with your instincts! If something doesn't feel right about the rental posting or the person you're contacting, then look for a different property.

Additional Resources

Everyone at Laurier International is here to help you. If you have any questions about a rental property or renter, and you aren't sure if it's fraudulent, come and talk to us. You can also contact the Special Constables at any time for assistance and support.

We can also help you if you are a victim of rental fraud. Don't be embarrassed! Come and see us at Laurier International and be sure to report it to Special Constables or to your local police service. You can also file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Contact information

Laurier International

Special Constables

  • Waterloo: 232 King St. North, 519.885.3333
  • Brantford: 45 Market Street, 519.770.3778 
  • You can reach the Special Constables in Waterloo and Brantford from an internal phone at Laurier by dialling extension 3333.

Police Services

  • Waterloo Regional Police Service: 519.570.9777
  • Brantford Police Service: 519.756.0113 or 519.756.7050
  • For emergencies, always dial 911