This is the MOST IMPORTANT step to being a landlord. It is the screening.
Finding the right tenant is about more than just a credit score—it’s about due diligence and safety. Follow these steps to protect your investment.
1. The Initial Meet-and-Greet (Safety First!)
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Meet In-Person: Never rent to someone you haven't met. An in-person viewing allows you to get a "vibe" for their lifestyle and how they might treat your property.
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Safety Protocol: If you are showing a property alone, especially as a female landlord, always bring a partner or friend. If you must go alone, let someone know your location and set a "check-in" time.
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Casual Conversation: Ask open-ended questions. Do they smoke? Do they have pets? (Note: While "no pet" clauses are generally void in Ontario, knowing about them helps you prepare for wear and tear).
2. The Application Phase
If a prospect is interested, send them a follow-up email requesting their "Rental Package."
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OREA Form 410: Ask them to fill out the Residential Rental Application. This is the industry standard for gathering history and consent.
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Required Documents:
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Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs and an employment letter. A good income-to-rent ratio is generally 30% or less of your gross monthly income (before taxes). For maximum affordability, aim for 25–30%, though 35% is often considered acceptable.
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Bank Statements: Sometimes useful to verify that the "salary" is actually being deposited.
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Credit Score: Ask for a full report (Equifax or TransUnion).
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Photo ID: Ask for two pieces of ID. Verify a driver’s license is legitimate using the MTO Driver’s Licence Check.
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3. Deep-Dive Verification
Once you have the application, move from "collecting" to "verifying."
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Employment Verification: Don't just call the number on the letter. Look up the company online, find their official office number, and ask to speak with HR or the manager listed.
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Professional Credit Check: Do not rely solely on the screenshot they provide. Use a service like Equifax or SingleKey to run your own check. Look for a score above 700.
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Legal History Search: This is the most skipped (and most important) step. Search their name on:
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OpenRoom: For private LTB order uploads.
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CanLII: For public tribunal records.
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Ontario Court Search Tool: To check for civil or criminal litigation.
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4. Handling Rejection & Acceptance
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If they don't meet the criteria: Keep it brief to avoid human rights complaints or unnecessary arguments. Only reply with: “We’re sorry, but you do not meet the criteria at this time.” Do not provide specific details.
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If you accept them: Once you have secured the rent deposit (usually first and last month's rent), have them sign the Ontario Standard Lease.
💡 Pro-Tips for Success:
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Watch for Inconsistencies: If their story changes or their pay stub doesn't match their employer's name exactly, call it out. If the resolution isn't 100% satisfying, do not rent to them.
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The "Vibe" Check: If they are aggressive or demanding during the viewing, they will likely be a "high-maintenance" tenant. Trust your gut.
- You can also build a good relationship with your tenant throughout your landlord journey. Personally, I give a welcome gift (housewarming) and a Christmas gift.
