---
title: "Housing Safety and Avoiding Scams"
type: "wiki"
space: "Off-campus housing"
author: "Angela Burnie"
created: 2024-08-14T16:00:56Z
updated: 2024-10-21T17:55:18Z
tags: ["housing", "safety", "scams"]
url: "https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/106/off-campus-housing/wiki/view/14394/housing-safety-and-avoiding-scams"
---

# Housing Safety and Avoiding Scams

## Housing Safety and Avoiding Scams 

While Seneca provides [off-campus partners](https://students.senecapolytechnic.ca/spaces/106/off-campus-housing/home?_gl=1*dtqair*_gcl_au*MTA1NTAxMTY4Ni4xNzI0ODY3NjY1*_ga*MjYxNDg3NDQ2LjE3MTcwODk0MjQ.*_ga_NKW0CZJEK5*MTcyOTUyOTM0Ny4xNjguMS4xNzI5NTMyNzEyLjYwLjAuMA..) to help you with your housing search, it is important for you to do your due diligence and choose a provider that is right for your needs. You are encouraged to review the tips below and learn important  tips for your housing safety and to protect yourself from scams. Seneca can assume no responsibility for any scams.

**SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR AVOIDING RENTAL SCAMS**

- **Check the list thoroughly.** Often scammers operate out of foreign countries, claiming to be landlords that are temporarily living outside of North America. Their emails are often full of spelling errors and they request a deposit before the potential tenant has had a chance to preview the rental property.
- **Never wire funds** to anyone claiming to be a landlord currently living in a foreign country. Never send money back when requested.
- **Never give out personal financial information**
- **Trust your instincts.** If something seems strange, do not rent from the provider and discontinue further correspondence.
- **Be cautious** **when detailed information** is provided without requesting it

- Always fill out a [Landlord Rental Agreement](https://www-preview.senecapolytechnic.ca/content/dam/projects/seneca/student-services/student-life/housing/Landlord_agreement.pdf)

\(Source: [Places4Students](https://www.places4students.com/Help/Index?tc=6&id=13)\)

**Stay Informed**
 If you suspect you have received a fraudulent email, please report this to the [Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre](http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/).

The following are some great safety tips and resources you should review:

- [Fraud and Scam Alerts for Students | Places4Students](https://www.places4students.com/Help/Index?tc=6&id=13)
- [Housing scams and how to spot them | University of Toronto](https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/housing-scams-and-how-to-spot-them/)

## Housing Health and Safety

The [Government of Ontario](http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/FireMarshal/FireSafetyandPublicEducation/PublicFireSafetyInformation/StudentAccommodation/OFM_student_accommodation.html) provides information about fire safety for parents who have a child/children attending college or university. The fire safety information helps parents make conscious decisions to find suitable accommodation for a daughter and/or son attending postsecondary education.

Another resource for fire safety is available at [knowfire.ca](http://www.knowfire.ca/). This website provides fire safety awareness programs for students.

Ontario, like other provinces and territories, has seen an increase in bed bug infestations. Anyone anywhere can pick up these hitchhikers during travel, in public places and from second-hand items. The [Government of Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips/bedbugs-what-are-they.html) provides important information that will assist you to identify, prevent and control bed bugs.