Safety
Trust & safety on Renky
A home search should never put you at risk.
Renky is building tools and guidance so renters and landlords can connect with more confidence. No marketplace can eliminate every risk, so please stay alert and verify details before you send money or sign anything.
Use the tips below to recognize scams, protect your information, and report anything that feels wrong.
Never pay before you verify
Legitimate landlords and property managers do not ask for unusual payment methods. Be especially careful of requests for:
- Cryptocurrency
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers to personal accounts
- Deposits before you have viewed the property or verified the landlord
- Payment through messaging apps or unofficial links
Tips for renters
- View the property in person when possible, or arrange a video walkthrough with the landlord.
- Confirm the landlord’s identity and that they are authorized to rent the unit.
- Never share banking passwords, SIN, or other sensitive ID unless you trust the party and the transaction is legitimate.
- Read the listing carefully and compare the rent to similar homes in the area — prices that seem too good to be true often are.
- Use Renky messaging so contact details stay private until you choose to share them.
Tips for landlords
- Verify renter identity before arranging private showings or accepting applications.
- Avoid off-platform payment requests that cannot be traced.
- Be cautious of renters who pressure you to skip viewings or sign immediately.
- Keep listing details accurate — clear photos and honest descriptions reduce disputes.
- Report suspicious renter messages through Renky support.
Common red flags
- The landlord says they are out of the country and needs a deposit to “hold” the unit immediately.
- You are asked to pay before seeing the home or signing a tenancy agreement.
- Communication suddenly moves to email or text with urgent payment demands.
- Listing photos look stock, mismatched, or copied from another site.
- The person contacting you refuses a viewing or video call.
How to report a concern
If a listing or message feels suspicious, stop communicating about payment and contact Renky. We review reports to help keep the marketplace safer for everyone.
Email us at info@renky.ca