How to avoid a rental scam

One B.C. property manager says nearly 15 per cent of Craigslist rentals are actually scams.

This past Friday,CBC News reported onwhat is one of Vancouver's biggest rental scams to date: luxury rentals are posted on Craigslist,then interested applicants are offered a discount worth hundreds of dollars on the monthly rate to tenants willing to pay a full six months' rent up front.

• Craigslist luxury rental scam leaves Vancouver tenants on the sidewalk

MartinSchoenberg, a propertymanagerwith Vancouver Luxury Realty, saysrenters should screen landlords asvigorouslyas landlords screen them.

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 that are not traceable and do not pay upfront.

Watch Schoenber'sraw interview with investigative reporter Natalie Clancy.

Tips for avoiding a rental scam

10 years ago

Duration 1:31

Renters should screen landlords as vigorously and vice versa