| This University of Toronto resource helps renters recognize
and avoid common housing scams when searching for rental accommodations online.
Although it was developed for students, the information is useful for anyone
navigating the private rental market, including newcomers, first-time renters,
and adult learners who may be unfamiliar with rental practices in Ontario. The
page explains common scam tactics, offers practical safety steps, and outlines
what renters can do if they believe they have been targeted by a scam.
This resource:
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Describes common rental scams, including phantom
rentals, hijacked ads, bait-and-switch tactics, suspicious payment requests,
and identity theft schemes
•
Identifies warning signs that may appear in
online rental listings, email communication, or requests for deposits
•
Encourages renters to view units in person,
research landlords or property managers, avoid wire transfers, and request a
written lease
•
Explains what landlords can and cannot legally
charge in Ontario
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Offers guidance on protecting personal
information, including Social Insurance Numbers, identification, and credit
check details
•
Outlines steps to take after a scam, including
documenting communication and reporting fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
This resource can be used in digital literacy, housing
literacy, and consumer awareness programming to help learners evaluate online
rental listings, protect personal information, and make safer decisions when
searching for housing.
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