Looking for your first apartment? Scammers are looking for you too. They target first-time renters because you don't know what to watch out for yet. Here's how to spot the red flags and protect yourself.
Why Scammers Target First-Time Renters
You're new to this. You don't know what normal looks like. You might not recognize when something's off. Scammers know this and use it against you. They create urgency, offer deals that seem amazing, and pressure you to act fast before you can think it through.
If you're getting ready to rent for the first time, check out our first-time renter checklist to get prepared. But first, let's talk about how to avoid getting scammed.
Red Flags You Need to Know
They Want Money Before You See the Place
This is the biggest red flag. Real landlords don't ask for money until you've seen the property and signed a lease. If someone wants a deposit, application fee, or "holding fee" before you can even view the unit, walk away. That's a scam.
They're Pushing You to Act Fast
Scammers create fake urgency. "Multiple people are interested." "This won't last long." "I need an answer today." Real landlords understand you need time to think. They'll let you review documents and visit the property. If someone's pressuring you, that's a red flag.
The Price Seems Too Good to Be True
If a place is way cheaper than everything else in the area, something's probably wrong. Good deals exist, but if it's significantly below market rate, be suspicious. Do some research on what rent actually costs in your area.
They Can't Meet in Person
Real landlords show up. They meet you, show you the place, answer questions. If someone says they're "out of town" or "overseas" and can only talk through email or text, that's suspicious. Scammers use these excuses to avoid meeting you.
They Want Wire Transfers or Cash
Scammers want untraceable payments. Real landlords take checks, bank transfers, or credit cards. If someone insists on wire transfers, gift cards, or cash, that's a red flag. Never send money you can't trace or get back.
No Lease or Vague Documents
Real landlords give you a proper lease. It has all the details: rent amount, what's included, who's responsible for what. If someone avoids giving you a lease, offers only verbal agreements, or gives you something that looks incomplete, that's suspicious.
The Photos Look Off
Scammers steal photos from real listings. If the photos look too perfect, don't match the location, or seem inconsistent, check if they're real. You can do a reverse image search to see if the photos are stolen.
You Can't Verify They Own the Place
You should be able to confirm the person listing the property actually owns it or manages it. If they can't or won't prove ownership, be careful. In Ontario, you can check property ownership through land registry services.
How to Protect Yourself
Always See the Property First
Never sign anything or send money without seeing the place. If you can't visit in person, do a live video tour where the landlord is actually there answering questions. Don't trust photos alone.
Verify Who You're Dealing With
Ask for ID. Make sure the person matches the property owner or authorized manager. You can check property ownership in Ontario through land registry services. If they can't prove who they are, that's a problem.
Do Your Research
Search the address online. See if it's listed elsewhere. Check for reviews or complaints. Look for inconsistencies. If the same place is listed with different contact info or prices, that's suspicious.
Read Everything
Read every document before you sign. Real leases have clear terms about rent, deposits, maintenance, and your rights. If something seems off, ask questions. If they won't answer, walk away.
Use Safe Payment Methods
Only pay after you've signed a real lease. Use methods you can trace: bank transfers, checks. Never wire money, send cash, or use gift cards. Keep records of everything.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Real landlords want to build trust. They answer questions, provide documents, give you time to decide. If someone's evasive, pushy, or makes you uncomfortable, walk away.
What to Do If You Got Scammed
If you think you've been scammed, act fast:
- Call your bank: If you sent money, call your bank right away. They might be able to stop or reverse the transaction if you catch it early.
- Report it: File a report with police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. This helps track scammers and might help you recover money.
- Report to consumer protection: Contact Ontario Consumer Protection. They can help and might investigate.
- Keep everything: Save all messages, receipts, documents. You'll need this evidence.
- Warn others: Report the scam to whatever platform you found it on. Warn people in your community.
How Closr Stops Scams
We're building Closr to fix this problem. Every property gets verified before it goes live. Every landlord gets checked. Every listing is real. When we launch Fall 2026, you'll be able to browse with confidence. No fake listings. No scammers. Just real housing from real people.
Helpful Resources
- Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario - Your rights as a tenant
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - Report scams here
- Solve a disagreement with your landlord or tenant - File complaints or get help
- Ontario Consumer Protection - Get help with complaints
Bottom line: Real landlords want to build trust. They show you the place, answer questions, give you time to decide. If someone pressures you, avoids meeting, or wants money before you've seen anything, that's a scam. Trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is.