How to protect yourself from imposter landlords

Several people inSt-Henri andHochelaga-Maisonneuvesay they have been fleeced out of almost $1,000 by a woman posing as a landlordwho disappeared before handing over the keys.

• Apartment rental scam goes beyond St-Henri
• Montreal tenants scammed out of up to $950 each

The prospective tenantswere asked to pay the first month's rent of an apartment in advance. But when they returned to pick up the keys to their new home, the landlordwas nowhereto be found.

CBC News talked to theRgie du logement's Denis Mironto get some tips on how tenants can protect themselves from such scams.

Visit the apartment

"If you are a tenant you should visit the dwelling before signing any lease," Miron said.

He also suggested talking to other tenants in the building you're thinking of renting as a good way to gauge the reputation of the landlord.

Check the landlord's identity

"When you fill in a lease pay attention Section Aabout the identity of the landlord," Miron said.

That information can be cross-referenced with municipal assessment roles. Entering an address in the assessment rolewill provide the name of the building's owner.

Some buildings may be owned by a company. In these cases, ownership can be verifiedwith Quebec'senterprise register.

"There are many means to make sure you're dealing with the right person," said Miron.

Legal action

For those who believe they have entered into a fraudulent lease, there are legal ways of getting out of the contract and recovering your money.

Miron said tenants can claim damages for trouble and inconvenienceas well as seeking a refund of the rent they have paid.

Doing sorequires that a claim be filed with theRgiedulogement. Once theRgiehasrendered a decision, though,it is up to the tenant to seek its enforcement.

This might entail hiring a bailiffto collect the money owed.