At unitiiPM, we believe everyone deserves a safe, secure, and honest rental experience. But unfortunately, rental scams have become more common across Alberta—especially in larger cities like Calgary and Edmonton, where competition for quality housing is fierce. Scammers are getting smarter, using fake listings, pressure tactics, and stolen photos to trick unsuspecting renters out of their hard-earned money.

If you’re searching for a place to call home, it’s essential to be informed and cautious. This blog will walk you through four of the most common rental scams we’ve seen in Alberta—and how you can steer clear of them.

1. The “Too Good to Be True” Listing


You’re scrolling through rental listings when you stumble upon the perfect unit: newly renovated, downtown location, fully furnished, and way under market rent. The photos look amazing, and everything seems perfect—until it doesn’t.

Scammers often post fake listings that look incredibly appealing to lure renters into a trap. They might claim they’re “out of the country” and can’t show the unit, or they’ll ask for a deposit before you’ve even seen the place.

How to avoid it:

If a listing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always view the property in person or through a reputable property management company. Be wary of landlords who rush you, avoid face-to-face meetings, or ask for payment before a lease is signed. unitiiPM encourages renters to use trusted platforms and verify the legitimacy of any listing before proceeding.

2. The Fake Landlord Scam


In this common con, scammers pose as landlords by copying legitimate listings from rental websites and reposting them as their own. They’ll respond quickly to inquiries and seem professional—until they ask for a deposit via e-transfer or another untraceable method. Once the money is sent, they vanish, and you’re left without a rental or your deposit.

How to avoid it:

Always cross-check the contact details from listings with official property management companies. Look up the property’s address on multiple platforms or call the building directly to confirm who manages it. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, and never share personal information like your SIN or banking details before a lease is signed through a trusted channel.

unitiiPM only conducts lease agreements through secure, transparent processes. If you’re ever unsure about a listing, reach out to us—we’re happy to verify.

3. The Key Deposit Con


Some scammers go a step further and actually gain access to a vacant property—usually through illegal means or by renting a unit temporarily. They then show the unit to multiple prospective tenants and collect key deposits or “first month’s rent” from each of them before disappearing. Victims only find out they've been duped when they try to move in and realize the lease was fake—or that multiple people believe they’ve rented the same unit.

How to avoid it:

Never pay for keys or access before confirming the landlord’s identity and the legitimacy of the lease. Ask for official ID, and request a written lease that clearly outlines who owns or manages the property. If you're renting through unitiiPM, rest assured that all keys, deposits, and agreements are handled professionally, with full transparency.

4. The “Application Fee” Scam


While some property management companies charge a modest, refundable application fee to cover screening costs, scammers use this as an excuse to collect money from multiple applicants—without any intention of renting out the unit.

They might list a popular property, ask for an "application fee" to be paid upfront, and then never follow up. With high demand and pressure to act fast, many renters unknowingly fall into this trap.

How to avoid it:

Do your homework. If you’re asked to pay an application fee, make sure it’s coming from a reputable company. Ask for a receipt, and confirm whether the fee is refundable if you're not selected. Avoid cash payments and use secure, traceable methods whenever possible.

At unitiiPM, we make the application process fair and straightforward. We’ll never ask for hidden fees, and our screening process is clearly outlined from the beginning.

Stay Smart, Stay Safe


Rental scams are stressful, disheartening, and often financially devastating. At unitiiPM, we understand how overwhelming the search for a new home can be—and that’s why we’re committed to making the rental process clear, honest, and secure for every renter.

The best defense against scams is awareness. Always take the time to verify listings, trust your instincts, and work with property managers who are transparent, communicative, and professional.

If you’re ever unsure about a listing or have questions about renting safely in Alberta, don’t hesitate to reach out to the unitiiPM team. We’re here to help—and to protect you every step of the way.

Looking for verified rental listings in Alberta?
Explore available units on our website or contact us directly for support.

Q: What are the most common rental scams in Alberta?
A: The most common rental scams include fake listings with low prices, scammers posing as landlords, key deposit fraud, and fake application fees designed to steal money.

Q: Is it safe to pay an application fee for a rental?
A: Only if it's from a trusted, transparent property manager. Make sure the fee is reasonable, traceable, and tied to a legitimate application process like unitiiPM’s.

Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
A: Contact your local police and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You can also alert rental platforms and property management companies to help protect others.