This clip commences with an immigrant new to Canada from Argentina who was asked by a landlord for one year's rent ($10 000) in order to be given an apartment. The residential tenancy laws in Ontario and most provinces bar collection of more than the first and last months rent. The Tenant Protection Act in Ontario permits landlords to request a maximum of two months' rent in advance. Most provinces permit one month's rent maximum (such as BC). Marketplace has an undercover prospective tenant approach landlords looking for an apartment. One landlord's agent, Janet MacDonald, asks for eight months rent but later denies it. Comments are provided by the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation. Immigrants are typically expected to bring at least $10 000 plus $2000 per child when they enter Canada. Another landlord, Mrs. Pickenhagen wants $13 000 (one years' rent) from the undercover tenant. Moreguard Residential takes the position that it's acceptable to state that typical applications include an amount greater than the statutory maximum, and to allow the tenant to make an offer that exceeds the statutory maximum. Ontario Associate Housing Minister Tina Molineri states in the clip that landlords are "at great risk" if they flout law. But are they? From 2000 to 2003 there were approximately 35 official complaints to the Housing Tribunal, two of which resulted in fines. One landlord states to the undercover tenant that he is "okay," but makes comments regarding people from the jungle or India, and describes a tenant whom she claims didn't know how to use the stove and so made a fire in living room.

Is it fair for Marketplace to videotape landlords surreptitiously? Is it legal?