Should I rent here?
Published Oct 29, 2026
Found an apartment and asking yourself “should I rent here?” Use this checklist before you sign a lease or send any money. It covers rental scam warning signs, whether the rent is fair, and what to check in the unit, the lease and the neighbourhood.
1. Watch for rental scam warning signs
The RCMP and TRAC warn about these red flags:
- the “landlord” asks for a deposit before you’ve seen the place, often by e-transfer
- they won’t meet you or show the unit in person
- the rent is much lower than similar places nearby
- the photos show only the outside, or don’t match the address
- they rush you, saying lots of other people are interested
No checklist can prove a listing is genuine. Never send money for a place you haven’t seen, and do a reverse image search on the listing photos. If you think it’s a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.
2. Is the rent fair?
Compare the asking rent with the average rent by city in BC, for example in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna or Nanaimo. Asking rents have been falling in parts of BC, so you may have room to negotiate: read will rent go down in BC?
3. Check the unit itself
- Water pressure, hot water, heat, windows and locks
- Signs of mould, leaks, pests or water damage
- Phone signal and internet options
- Laundry, storage, parking and bike storage
- Noise: visit at different times of day if you can
4. Check the money and the lease
- No application fee. BC landlords can’t charge one for reviewing a rental application.
- Deposits are capped. A security deposit and a pet damage deposit can each be no more than half of the first month’s rent.
- Read the tenancy agreement. What’s included (utilities, internet, parking)? Is it fixed-term or month to month? A fixed-term lease is hard to leave early. Does it require tenant insurance? See how rent works in BC.
- Credit checks need your consent. See how landlords do credit checks.
5. Check the neighbourhood
Think about your commute, transit, groceries, schools and how the street feels at night. Walk around before you decide.
6. Before you move in
- Do the move-in condition inspection with your landlord and take photos. The landlord must give you a copy of the report within 7 days. It protects your deposit when you move out.
- Set up tenant insurance for your belongings and liability. Square One (sponsored) lets you get a quote and buy online, and adds a $10 credit if you buy through our link. Compare options in which tenant insurance is best?
- Decide how you’ll pay rent and keep proof of every payment.
More for BC renters
This is general information, not legal advice.