Housing Scams and How to Avoid Them

Many students are currently seeking housing accommodations for the fall semester, and we want to remind you to be cautious when exploring housing options online. Many students turn to social media platforms in search of viable housing options. While these sites have become popular amongst those listing available properties, they have also become popular amongst individuals attempting to scam students, as there is little to no verification for the listings to ensure legitimacy. That's why we've put together this list of top tips to avoid housing scams.

Last fall, Fanshawe partnered with Places4Students.com, a company specializing in providing academic institutions with off-campus housing solutions. Place4Students.com provides students with a user-friendly and fully accessible online directory to search for suitable housing accommodations, find roommates and post sublets. The site also features rental housing-related information and tips and resources for both students and landlords. 

Here are some tips to protect yourself from housing scams 

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Be cautious with money and personal info

• Never deal in cash: Never pay with cash, wire transfer or hard-to-trace equivalents such as Moneygram, Bitcoin or MoneyPak.  
• Don’t hand over confidential info that can be used for identity theft: Avoid handing over confidential information like a SIN or bank information. Landlords sometimes ask for a SIN number to do a credit check—but according to Equifax, a Canadian Credit Bureau, a landlord can check your credit history with just your full name, current address and birth date. 

Verify in-person

• Never rent sight-unseen: Visit in person to confirm the unit exists and matches what was advertised before signing a lease or making a payment (or have a friend, family member, or rental agent do so on your behalf).  
• Meet the landlord in-person: Though out-of-town landlords can be legitimate, insisting on meeting the landlord in person will lessen the risk of a scam and usually leads to better service. Be wary of a landlord that gives excuses for not being able to meet you or show you the unit. 
• Speak with the current tenants: Currently occupied units are far less likely to be fraudulent ones. If you have a chance, speak to the current tenants outside of the presence of the landlord to confirm information the landlord has told you.  

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Complete Research and Due Diligence

• Conduct basic research: Google the address of the unit and the landlord’s name, email, and phone number to confirm that the landlord/company exists, is associated with the property being listed, and if there are any complaints or reports of scams online. Be wary of any landlord who tries to remain anonymous. 
• Be aware of too-good-to-be-true rent rates: The London rental market is extremely competitive, especially in the summer. Be suspicious of any rent or unit that is far below market rent or otherwise sounds too good to be true. 
• Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics: If you feel like you are being pressured into signing a lease or sending money, consider this a red flag. Conduct thorough research on the property and landlord before committing. 
• Be wary of landlords that request little info about you: Most legitimate landlords will at least request references or a credit check. 
• Demand a written lease: A written lease helps prevent fraud and lays out the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Ontario law requires landlords to use the Ontario Standard Lease Form for any lease signed after April 2018. Ensure you get a copy of the lease that is signed by both you and the landlord before you move in or pay a deposit. Ideally, you and the landlord should sign the lease in each other’s physical presence and in duplicate so each can walk away with a copy. Ensure the price and any amenities that should be included as part of your monthly payment are listed in the lease. 
• Ensure the written lease identifies the owner or management company: In Ontario, written leases must identify the name, address and phone number of the landlord.  
• Consider renting from property management companies: Large operations are not necessarily the best landlords (or the most affordable) but there is usually plenty of information and reviews online about them, and they are seldom outright scammers. 

If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, you can contact Campus Security Services by calling 519-452-4400 or attend the Security Control Centre, room D1027. You can also report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by telephone at 1-888-495-8501.