Placing the wrong tenant costs more than a vacancy. Evictions in Ontario take four to eight months. Repairing damage after a bad tenancy runs into the thousands. Screening properly up front saves all of it.
The Three-Step Screen
1. Credit Report
Pull a full credit report through Equifax or TransUnion. Look for consistent payment history, not just the score. A 680 score with no late payments beats a 720 with sporadic rent arrears.
2. Employment and Income Check
Require a letter of employment and two recent pay stubs. Call the employer. Verify the role, salary, and length of employment. The tenant should earn at least three times the monthly rent.
3. Landlord References
Call the previous two landlords. Ask if rent arrived on time and if the unit was returned in good condition. If the current landlord sounds eager to see the tenant leave, dig deeper.
Red Flags
- Refuses to provide ID or references
- Can’t explain gaps in rental history
- Offers to pay six months upfront without proof of income
- Previous landlord won’t answer calls
- Pay stubs look altered or inconsistent
Ontario-Specific Rules
You cannot ask for a security deposit beyond last month’s rent. Pet deposits are illegal. You must use the standard Ontario lease form. Failing to do so gives the tenant grounds to withhold rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for a credit check in Ontario?
Yes. You can require a credit report as part of your application. You cannot charge the applicant for it without their consent.
What income ratio should I require?
Most Ottawa landlords look for gross monthly income at three times the rent. For a $2,000 unit, that means $72,000 annual income.
Can I refuse a tenant with pets?
Ontario law allows you to refuse pets only in condos with pet restrictions in the declaration. A standard lease clause banning pets is void.