Tenant Screening Tips for Ontario Landlords

Choose the right tenant and protect your property.

Good tenant screening is key to long-term rental success. Choosing the right tenant leads to consistent rent, fewer disputes, and better care of your property. We hope this information will help Ontario landlords screen tenants lawfully and effectively — so you can identify red flags early and protect your investment from the start.

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Always Use a Proper Rental Application

Start with a detailed rental application that collects employment, income, references, and rental history. Ask for consent to run a credit and background check (it’s required under privacy laws).


⚠️Important: Use a consistent form for every applicant to stay compliant with the Ontario Human Rights Code.


Review Credit and Payment History Carefully

A credit report gives you more than just a score — it shows patterns.


Look for:

  • Late or missed payments
  • Outstanding debts
  • Previous evictions or judgments
  • Stability of employment


You can request a full Equifax or TransUnion tenant report directly or through landlord tools like FrontLobby or SingleKey.


Verify Employment and Income

Always confirm employment details and income.


You can ask for:

  • Recent pay stubs or a letter of employment
  • Bank statements (for self-employed applicants)
  • A quick phone confirmation with their employer
  • Make sure rent doesn’t exceed about 30 – 40% of their monthly income.


Start with a Free, Confidential Consultation

Check Rental References (Properly)

Don’t just take references at face value — call and ask specific questions:

  • “Did they pay rent on time?”
  • “Would you rent to them again?”
  • “Did they respect the property and neighbors?”


Be cautious if a reference seems overly vague or avoids answering questions.


Watch for Red Flags

Some common warning signs include:

  • Rushing to move in immediately
  • Offering several months of rent upfront
  • Incomplete or inconsistent information on their application
  • Refusing to provide ID or income proof


Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.

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Put Everything in Writing

Once you’ve chosen a tenant, make sure your lease agreement is Ontario-compliant aligned with the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the standard lease template.


Include clauses that clearly outline:

  • Rent amount and due date
  • Late payment terms
  • Maintenance responsibilities
  • Rules on subletting or guests


A solid lease is your best protection if disputes arise later.


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Stay Compliant and Fair

Never screen based on prohibited grounds like age, family status, gender, or ethnicity.


Keep records of your screening process to show that all applicants were treated equally and fairly.

Why Trust Cordaie Paralegal Services?

  • Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
  • Paralegals authorized to represent landlords at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)
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  • Professional, efficient, and trusted across Ontario


“Wow, I’m thoroughly impressed with how kind and knowledgeable Damian is. I called him on Saturday morning about tenants who were really stressing me out and for free he gave me great advice that would protect me. I will definitely use this paralegal team for bigger issues that may arise. Just that conversation with Damian made me feel lighter and I now know how to deal with this situation! I can’t say thank you enough Cordaie Paralegal Services.”

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Helping Landlords Across Ontario — From Cities to Small Towns

Whether you own a single rental in Toronto or multiple units across Ontario, we’re here to help you screen tenants the right way.


At Cordaie Paralegal Services, we guide landlords in every corner of the province — from Ottawa and Windsor to Barrie, London, Kingston, and beyond. No matter where your property is located, we're here to help you protect your investment and comply with Ontario’s rental laws.


Our support is available virtually, so you can get trusted paralegal guidance without leaving your desk.


Tenant Screening FAQs for Ontario Landlords

Even experienced landlords have questions when it comes to screening tenants the right way. Ontario has specific rules about what you can check, how to collect information, and how to stay compliant with privacy and human rights laws.

We’ve answered some of the most common questions here to help you screen confidently, fairly, and legally — and avoid costly mistakes before signing a lease.



  • 1. Can I run a tenant credit check myself as a landlord in Ontario?

    Yes. You can request a credit report directly from agencies like Equifax or TransUnion, or use landlord tools like FrontLobby or SingleKey. 


    You must have the applicant’s written consent before running the report — typically gathered through the rental application form.

  • 2. What’s considered a good credit score for a tenant?

    Generally, a score of 650 or higher suggests good financial reliability, but don’t base your decision on credit alone.


    ⚠️Important: Consider their rental history, income stability, and references for a complete picture.

  • 3. Can I deny a tenant based on poor credit?

    Yes — as long as you apply the same standard to all applicants. However, be careful not to discriminate under the Ontario Human Rights Code.



  • 4. What documents should I ask for to verify income?

    Ask for recent pay stubs, a letter of employment, or bank statements (for self-employed tenants).


    Confirm that the rent won’t exceed 30 – 40% of their gross monthly income.

  • 5. How do I check a tenant’s rental history or past evictions?

    You can request rental references from previous landlords, and use platforms like FrontLobby to view verified rental history and past eviction records (where available). 


    Always confirm references by calling directly.

  • 6. Is it legal to ask for first and last month’s rent in Ontario?

    Yes. Ontario landlords are legally allowed to collect first and last month’s rent deposits before move-in.


    However, you cannot request additional “security deposits” or damage deposits — they’re not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).

  • 7. What if a tenant refuses to provide consent for a credit check?

    You can’t legally force them — but you’re not required to rent to them either.


    ⚠️IMPORTANT: If they won’t provide consent, it’s reasonable to consider that as a risk factor in your decision-making process.

  • 8. How can I make sure my screening process follows the law?

    • Stay consistent. 
    • Use the same form, questions, and standards for every applicant. 
    • Avoid questions or criteria related to age, gender, family status, race, or religion, as those are prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

    If you’re unsure, a licensed paralegal can review your process to make sure you’re compliant and protected.