Housing rental scams confusing amid ‘desperate unprecedented times

Rental scams in Vancouver and across Canada have been on the rise for years, but COVID-19’s slow-down of in-person property viewings and interactions with landlords may make it even harder for people to figure out what’s legitimate online.

A recent article published by Vancouver is Awesome narrates an incident where the scammer even met the Burnaby residents in person pretending to be the landlord of the unit advertised on craigslist and then later fleeing away with their money.

Don’t Wait for Keys to be Couriered:

No company/landlord will send you keys to the property without meeting with you or having you see the home. If someone offers to send you keys in exchange for money, it’s probably a scam. We have heard plenty of horror stories about people who sign a lease and send a security deposit, but they are still waiting for keys to the property.

These craigslist rental scams are no new stories, so the renter must be alert and aware. Here are some tips to be armed with the correct information, so renters can be sure that they’re protecting themselves and their wallets by looking out for red flags.

If you are dealing with a property management company in BC while searching for a new place.

Here are some tips:

• Do extensive research via google and social media platforms
• Do a license check through the real estate board of the British Columbia(REBC)
• Do not send any money before signing an agreement

If you are dealing directly with the landlord

Here are some of his tips:

• Ask references from the landlord
• Ask for proof of ownership, such as land titles or a city property tax assessment, or ID.
• Avoid any money transfers and cash payments that are not traceable and do not pay upfront.

With all of the stresses searching for a new home and moving to bring, the fear of falling victim to a scam is extra worry renters don’t need.

The best way to protect yourself from rental scams is by renting through a reputable property management company like First Stay Realty Inc. With many property owners and tenants’ services, our team of experts works diligently to protect owners’ investments and provide tenants with a smooth, worry-free rental experience.

For more furnished/unfurnished rental properties in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, visit https://firststaybc.com/.