Rental Scams in Toronto
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in Toronto — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
Toronto Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | CA$1,800 |
| 1 Bedroom | CA$2,300 |
| 2 Bedroom | CA$2,900 |
| 3 Bedroom | CA$3,500 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in Toronto listed under CA$1,610, be cautious.
That is roughly 70% of the local average for a 1-bedroom apartment. Listings priced significantly below the market average are one of the strongest indicators of a rental scam. Scammers use below-market pricing to attract as many victims as possible before the listing is taken down.
Common Scam Patterns in Toronto
Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace Scams
Toronto's rental market relies heavily on Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, platforms with minimal listing verification. Scammers post fake condo listings in popular areas like Liberty Village, King West, and Yonge-Eglinton, collecting first and last month's rent from victims.
Pre-Construction Condo Fraud
Toronto's condo boom means pre-construction listings are common. Scammers pose as assignment sellers, advertising units in real developments that they don't own, collecting deposits for "assignments" that don't exist.
Fake Landlord Using Short-Term Rental Access
Scammers rent a condo on Airbnb for one night, then host "viewings" during that time, posing as the landlord. Multiple victims tour a real unit, pay deposits, and arrive on move-in day to find the unit occupied by the actual tenant.
N12 Eviction Scam Aftermath
After illegitimate N12 (landlord's own use) evictions, some scammers re-list the same unit at a higher price. This targets both the original tenant who lost their home and new tenants who unknowingly move into a unit with a pending Landlord and Tenant Board dispute.
How to Protect Yourself in Toronto
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to Toronto, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through official records — through Ontario Land Registry (onland.ca).
- ✓Never wire money or pay with gift cards. Use traceable payment methods like checks or credit cards.
- ✓Compare prices against the rent averages above. If a listing is more than 30% below average, treat it as suspicious until verified.
- ✓Run the listing through our free checker to scan for 40+ scam patterns before you engage with the landlord. If you encounter fraud, Report to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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