11 Rental and Landlord Warning Signs for Newcomers to Canada

Immigrants and international students looking for their first rental home in Canada must recognize these 11 warning signs that something is wrong with the apartment or the landlord.

Sadly, newcomers to Canada are often targeted by scammers within the Canadian rental housing industry or by bad landlords.

Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and find your best first home in Canada with an honest landlord:

Does the landlord or building have a bad reputation or history? An online search can often turn up useful information about a property, neighbourhood or landlord. Be sure to check.

Does the lease appear to be confusing, unclear or unprofessional? Friends, colleagues and real estate agents can help you understand the lease and clear up any confusion. Settlement agencies are also a good source of help.

What do other tenants have to say about maintenance? Do things get fixed promptly? Speaking with current or former tenants is a good way to determine the condition of the building and whether the landlord is serious about maintenance.

When you inspect the unit, you find fixtures (like taps, thermostats, stoves, fridges, etc.) that aren't working: This is the old "we'll fix it once you move in" scam. They might, but they will likely not, or it will take months. Take a pass.

Is there visible mould within the apartment or the building? Mould is a serious health concern. If the landlord says they'll get it fixed before you move. in and get it in writing.

Does the apartment and the building have sufficient smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? This separates responsible landlords from irresponsible ones. Good landlords ensure there are the proper number of detectors AND that they work and are maintained. The bad ones don't.

The apartment is old and has not been maintained. The same goes for the building: There is nothing wrong with older buildings and apartments as long as they have been properly maintained. If the building looks shabby and like it's falling apart, it probably is. That means the owners haven't reinvested in the property. Rent at your own risk!

What is the status of security in the building? Not all buildings have or need dedicated on-site security guards. Size and location are factors. However, check for fire alarms, smoke detectors, entry locks, passcodes, etc. Some landlords are negligent at retrieving keys from previous tenants or changing passcodes. Also, does the landlord regularly inspect the building and ensure doors are working and locked

Are there signs of pest infestation? Rodent droppings, cockroach carcasses, etc.: If you see signs of pest infestation when inspecting the apartment, take a pass. It also means the landlord didn't bother to clean the place when the previous tenant moved out.

The landlord won't let you see the unit before signing the lease: This is perhaps the No. 1 sign that it's a scam or a really awful apartment. Pass.

Five signs of a bad, untrustworthy landlord:

Make sure the landlord lets you inspect the apartment

1 - Is late, delinquent, messy or unprofessional without valid excuses.

2 - Won't let you see the apartment before you rent. A sure sign of a scam.

3 - Hard to contact (and generally unresponsive) by phone, text or email.

4 - Wants cash only and/or a verbal as opposed to a written lease. Another sure sign of a scam.

5 - It is not the actual landlord. Be sure to meet with the building and unit's owner/landlord/property manager. Don't trust someone who says they are acting on behalf of the landlord.

Finally, even though you're new to Canada, you should trust your instincts and intuition. If something doesn't "feel right" about either the landlord or the apartment, walk away.

You'll be glad you did because there are plenty of good apartments and honest landlords to be found throughout Canada.

Action Plan for Newcomers:

Register for FREE for Rentals for Newcomers.
Register for our FREE Accommodation in Canada webinar.
Read our latest Housing Newsletter for Newcomers and International Students.

If you have a question, please email us at rentals@prepareforcanada.com

Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

*No AI-generated content was used in the writing of this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.