Rental safety guide for newcomers
Free to read and share. Most rental scams follow the same few patterns. Knowing them protects you whether or not you use our service.
Warning signs
One of these alone is not proof of fraud. Two or more together is a strong reason to stop and check.
- Pressure to pay before you can see it"Other people are interested, send the deposit today to hold it." Genuine landlords expect questions.
- The price is noticeably below marketIn October 2025, the average two-bedroom in Regina rented for about $1,473 a month (CMHC). Far cheaper is a lure.
- The landlord is "away" and can't show itWorking overseas, on a mission, caring for a relative. The keys will be "mailed" after you pay.
- Photos appear in other adsScammers copy photos from real listings, often from homes that are for sale, not for rent.
- Payment by e-transfer, gift card or crypto onlyThese are hard to reverse. Be very cautious about sending money to a personal account you cannot trace.
- They avoid video calls or questions about ownershipA real owner or manager can show the unit live and explain who owns the property.
Checks you can do yourself
- Search the address and run a reverse image search on two or three listing photos.
- Ask for a live video walkthrough, and ask them to show the unit number and the street outside.
- Ask who owns the property. If they are a manager, ask for the owner's name and written authorization.
- Read the lease before paying anything. In Saskatchewan, the security deposit cannot be more than one month's rent.
- Never send money to "hold" a unit you have not confirmed. Use a traceable payment method if you do pay.
Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies publishes the rules for landlords and tenants, including deposits and lease terms, at saskatchewan.ca.
If you think you've been scammed
Act quickly. Contact your bank or payment provider first; some transfers can be stopped if reported fast.
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- 1-888-495-8501, or report online at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
- Regina Police Service (non-emergency)
- 306-777-6500. In an emergency, call 911.
- The listing site
- Report the ad so it is removed before someone else pays.
Keep every message, receipt and screenshot. If you are a StaySure customer, we can help you organize the evidence and, with your consent, file the report.
Free rental-safety sessions
We run free sessions for incoming students and newcomers with schools, settlement agencies and community associations, covering the warning signs above and how renting works in Saskatchewan. We also share de-identified summaries of the scam patterns we see.
Represent an organization that welcomes newcomers?
Book a session or partner with us