Rental Scams

A scam is a fraud, a dishonest plan to cheat and get money from another person in an illegal way.

Common Rental Scams

• The property owner tells you that they are away for a family emergency and promises to send you the keys to the place after you pay for a deposit.
• You are asked to pay rent all at once (or you are asked for multiple months in advance).
• You are asked to pay an application fee. In NS this is illegal.
• You struggle to communicate with the property owner. You look for information and you don’t find much about them.
• You find multiple ads in several provinces.
• You are asked for your Social Insurance Number or credit card details.
• You will never be required to provide a Social Insurance Number to rent
• The property owner keeps your damage deposit after your lease is over although you haven’t damaged the property.
  • A damage deposit must be given back within 10 days if the property has not been damaged.
  • The property owner must apply to Nova Scotia Tenancies to keep the deposit

What can you do?

• Educate yourself
  • Read Tips for Tenants from Halifax Magazine and Tips for Students from places4students.com
• Ask for help
  • Email housing@nscc.ca or call 902-423-8105 or email legalaid@dal.ca