Rental Scams in Vancouver
Everything you need to know about rental fraud in Vancouver — local rent data, pricing red flags, and the scam patterns unique to this market.
Vancouver Average Rent (2026)
| Unit Type | Avg Rent / Month |
|---|---|
| Studio | CA$1,900 |
| 1 Bedroom | CA$2,400 |
| 2 Bedroom | CA$3,100 |
| 3 Bedroom | CA$3,800 |
Source: FlagMyListing market data engine, updated February 2026.
Red-Flag Pricing
If you see a 1-bedroom in Vancouver listed under CA$1,680, 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 Vancouver
International Student Targeting
Vancouver's large international student population is a prime target. Students arriving from overseas often cannot visit properties before arrival and face intense competition. Scammers demand deposits via wire transfer from abroad, then disappear.
Laneway House Scams
Vancouver's laneway houses and secondary suites operate in a grey area. Scammers list non-existent or unpermitted laneway homes, collecting deposits for units that either don't exist or violate city bylaws and could be shut down.
Furnished Corporate Housing Fraud
Vancouver's tech industry (Amazon, Microsoft, EA) brings workers needing temporary furnished housing. Scammers target these high-income relocators with fake furnished listings in Yaletown and Coal Harbour at prices that seem reasonable for corporate housing.
Renoviction Warning Signs
Some Vancouver landlords use fake renovation notices to evict tenants and relist at higher prices. While not always a scam per se, new tenants should verify that previous tenants were properly compensated and that renovations actually occurred.
How to Protect Yourself in Vancouver
- ✓Always visit the property in person before paying anything. If you are relocating to Vancouver, ask a friend or hire a local rental agent to view on your behalf.
- ✓Verify ownership through official records — through BC Land Title and Survey Authority (ltsa.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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