How to avoid rental scams in Toronto

Toronto’s rental market moves fast, and scammers count on that urgency. The most common scams share a pattern: a listing that looks too good for the price, a landlord who can’t meet in person, and pressure to send money before you’ve seen the unit or signed anything.

Red flags to watch for

• The “landlord” is travelling or abroad and can’t show the unit, but will mail keys after you pay.
• You’re asked to e-transfer a deposit to hold the place before viewing.
• The listing photos appear on other sites under a different address or price.
• The rent is well below market for the neighbourhood.
• You’re pushed to move off-platform to “save on fees.”

How to protect yourself

Never send money directly to someone you haven’t verified. In Ontario, a landlord can only collect a rent deposit (last month’s rent) and a refundable key deposit — there is no such thing as a legal “security” or “damage” deposit. If someone asks for one, walk away.

On Truelo, every listing is reviewed, and you view the place in person before you pay anyone — which removes the single biggest risk in renting: paying before you know the place is real.