Hi, us again with another rental question.

We think we have found a nice house we would like to rent from joy life.ca they just want four months rent upfront - now this is not a problem we expected at least this BUT they want it now and we will not be starting the lease until March - is this normal.

We just worried about sending close to $6000 for something we won't take possession off for another 3+ months.

has anyone heard of this company? Or can advise if this sounds normal?

We really like the house, have found schools nearby, but google maps doesn't show it as even built yet - they are new builds.

Thanks in advance for any/all help you can give
X

Four months rent up front?
Sounds dodgy to me, and I would find something else. Asking for rent up front definitely isnt the norm.

I've just been having a quick on google, and my advice, is please please please find somewhere else.
They seem to have been around for a few years, but looking on google, they arent mentioned anywhere apart from a link to their own website.
Their supposed address is in the middle of a residential area that hasnt been built yet. I dont know what rental prices are like in Woodstock, but those rents seem very low too.... perhaps a trick to hook you in.

You should never pay future rent up front... unless of course they're asking for post dated cheques.... which doesnt seem to be the case here.

There have been plenty of people who have been scammed in to renting properties that dont exist.. or properties that simply arent up for rent, and that's what it smells like here.

As I said, find somewhere else.

Good luck!

If, in fact construction hasn't yet started it seems highly improbable that it'd be ready for occupancy at the beginning of March, what with winter and all.

I'd say, run a mile.

<note however that google street-view isn't a "realtime" tool. The images may be several years old>

Check the residential tenancy act in your destination province. There are limits to what a landlord can ask for up front.

I would quote the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act and suggest they may want to review their request, what they are asking for is illegal.

http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Info...02_111677.html

(link to actual act: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/sta...17_e.htm#BK122)

Rent deposits

A landlord can collect a rent deposit from a new tenant on or before the start of a new tenancy. Where the tenant pays rent by the month, the deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent; where the tenant pays rent by the week, the deposit cannot be more than one week’s rent.

The rent deposit can only be used as the rent payment for the last month or week before the tenant moves out. It cannot be used for anything else, such as repairing damage to the rental unit.

For your own education, you may want to have a look at CMHC's guide to renting in Ontario: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/reh...h/fash_009.cfm



Edit: If you found somewhere you really liked, you could suggest post dated cheques as a compromise -

Post-dated Cheques

Post-dated cheques can be suggested, but a person cannot be refused a rental unit for refusing to give them. Landlords must provide tenants with a rent receipt if the tenant requests one.

Thanks everyone for the advice - we have asked for a few days to think about it. The agent has said they are going to check with there legal dept to see if they will accept just 2 months.

We thought it might be OK, because they are taking us on when we first arrive in March and we will not have jobs but we have shown proof of funds. But, it still seemed strange to have to pay it all now rather than when we arrive

Such a shame house did look good - maybe too good for the money?

Thanks again - please keep the advice coming

It's a scam.
Find somewhere else.

I agree with everybody that you need to be cautious and check out your rights. BUT as a landlord I must say that I would want something, certainly from a tenant not coming to the area for 6 months, just as a guarantee. I'd probably suggest a month now and the rest in March...

Avoid this whole thing like the plague. It stinks.

If these units are legitimate and as well-priced as you suggest, then there would be no need for the owners to charge a deposit like this so far in advance.
They would find people to fill them easily a month in advance of them being ready to occupy.

Also, a reputable agent should not be dealing with owners who are breaking the law. He/she should know the tenancy law of that province and make sure that agreements are lawful.
You refer to "their legal department" and the agent asking if they will accept only two months deposit.
Even the two month deposit is illegal in Ontario, just as it would be here in BC.

How trustworthy can they be if their "legal department" is breaking the law?

A post-dated cheque for one month deposit is the legal requirement and that is all you should agree to give.

This is correct - I would be very cautious if I was you. I have not seen a property being offered for rent so far in advance of its availability for occupancy. In Ontario it is common to pay two months when you agree the rental terms, one month is the first month's rent in advance and the second month is held as a rental deposit and is applied to the last month's rent, as per the tenancy act quoted above. Unless I had seen the house and met the landlord or his agent, I would not be handing over any money, even if they just ask for 1 month.

"If in doubt - do nought"

I would find somewhere else if I were you. Imagine if they cashed 4 months worth of cheques and then you had no-where to live because it was a scam or not ready.