Students—particularly international students and first-time renters— need to be careful and avoid being targeted by rental scams. According to the links below by law enforcement and consumer protection agencies, these scams often follow similar patterns:
Be cautious if you encounter
Fake or Copied Rental Listings
Rental Offers that Seem too Good to be True
Especially when priced below market value.
Requests for Deposits or Rent before viewing the unit
Agents who pressure you to act quickly
Landlords, property owners, managers or listing agents who pressure you to act quickly.
Fake Rental Applications
Ensure only the Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease) form is completed.