Information checked on 2 October 2026. Before paying for a rental, match the property, lease and payee, then check the deposit rules for its province. Attractive photos or pressure to reserve do not replace these checks.
CAFC describes rental scams using stolen property photos, below-market rent and pressure to pay before a viewing. Check the address, actual property, authority to rent it and named lessor; a photo or key alone does not establish that authority. Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
For an ordinary BC tenancy, a security deposit is limited to half the initial monthly rent; a separate pet damage deposit is also limited to half a month. Ontario’s standard lease distinguishes a rent deposit from a damage deposit. Do not transfer BC’s system to Ontario; identify the type, amount and purpose before paying. Ontario standard lease BC deposits and fees
Ontario’s standard lease applies to most residential tenancies, with exceptions. Check the parties, address, rent, included services and payment terms. An added clause cannot waive statutory tenant rights merely because it is signed. Do not pay under pressure before matching the lease and payee; a payment channel does not prove authority to rent. Ontario standard lease Ontario tenant rights
If you suspect fraud after paying, keep the listing, messages, documents and receipts, and contact the financial institution that transferred the money. Report to local police, obtain a file number and notify CAFC. Recovery is not guaranteed; do not pay a stranger claiming they can recover the funds. CAFC: after fraud Fraud reporting
The most practical way is to write down your own conditions first, then compare the authority to rent out the property, address, lease, deposit and payee using consistent criteria, and save the official terms of the day.