Publication: The Globe and Mail
Date: February 13, 2023
Topic: Rental fraud, tenant screening, and Toronto’s competitive rental market
Fox Marin was featured in The Globe and Mail discussing the growing rise of rental application fraud as competition for housing intensified across Toronto. The article explored how both organized criminal activity and falsified rental applications from prospective tenants were creating new challenges for landlords, property owners, and real estate professionals.
The feature examined how soaring rents, limited housing supply, and increased competition for rental properties had contributed to more fraudulent applications, requiring real estate professionals to adopt increasingly rigorous tenant screening practices.
Quotes from The Globe and Mail
“The shift is driven by renters who are fudging their applications to “get a foot in the door” in an extremely competitive market.”
— Reuben Labovitz, Sales Representative, Fox Marin
Fox Marin’s Perspective on the Market
Fox Marin’s perspective is that Toronto’s highly competitive rental market has created new challenges for both landlords and legitimate renters.
In the article, Reuben Labovitz explained that some prospective tenants were exaggerating or falsifying information on rental applications in an effort to improve their chances of securing housing. As affordability pressures intensified and competition for available rentals increased, some applicants felt compelled to misrepresent income, employment, or other financial information simply to remain competitive.
The article also distinguished these types of application misrepresentations from the far more serious issue of organized title fraud, where criminals use sophisticated fake identities and forged documentation to gain access to properties as part of larger real estate fraud schemes.
From Fox Marin’s perspective, thorough tenant screening has never been more important. Careful verification of employment, income, identity, references, and supporting documentation helps protect landlords while ensuring a fair and transparent rental process for qualified applicants.
Why This Matters
Toronto’s rental market has become increasingly competitive, making due diligence an essential part of every lease transaction.
For landlords, the article highlights the importance of working with experienced real estate professionals who understand how to identify inconsistencies, verify documentation, and recognize potential warning signs before a lease is finalized.
For tenants, the feature serves as a reminder that honesty and transparency remain the strongest foundation for a successful rental application. While competition may be intense, providing accurate information helps build trust and protects everyone involved in the transaction.
The article also reflects Fox Marin’s commitment to safeguarding clients by combining local market expertise with thorough screening practices and professional guidance throughout the leasing process.
Read the full article in The Globe and Mail.
Read The Full Article
About Fox Marin
Fox Marin is a boutique Toronto real estate team focused on central and downtown neighbourhoods, offering white glove, strategic, advisory-driven support for buyers, sellers, renter and investors.
Known for a thoughtful and highly hands-on approach, Fox Marin combines local market expertise, strategic marketing, negotiation experience, and client education to help clients make informed real estate decisions.
Fox Marin has earned its reputation as Toronto’s premier downtown luxury real estate team, backed by over $580 million in sales*, more than 1,000 successful transactions, and over 500+ glowing 5-star Google Reviews. Discover the advantage of working with a proven team with a track record for winning results.
*Source: Jan. 1, 2018 – Sept 1, 2025, RE Stats Inc. & Exclusive
