Tenant Screening in Ontario: What You Can and Can’t Ask (2026 GTA Guide)
Jun 8th, 2026
Introduction
Tenant screening is the most important part of being a landlord.
But in Ontario, it’s not just about asking the right questions—it’s about asking them the right way.
Many GTA landlords either:
- Don’t screen thoroughly enough (leading to bad tenants), or
- Ask the wrong questions (putting themselves at legal risk)
This guide breaks down exactly what you can and can’t do when screening tenants in Ontario—so you can protect your investment and stay compliant.
Why Tenant Screening Matters More in Ontario
Ontario’s rental system is highly structured—and once a tenant is in place, removing them can be difficult and time-consuming.
👉 That means:
Tenant selection is your #1 risk management tool.
A strong screening process can prevent:
- Late or missed rent
- Property damage
- Long and costly disputes
What You CAN Ask Tenants
Landlords in Ontario are allowed to collect information that helps assess a tenant’s ability to pay rent and meet lease obligations.
✔️ Identity & Basic Information
- Full legal name
- Date of birth (for credit check purposes)
- Government-issued ID
✔️ Employment & Income
You can ask:
- Where they work
- Their position
- Length of employment
- Income level
You can also:
- Request pay stubs
- Ask for an employment letter
👉 Verification is critical—don’t just accept documents at face value.
✔️ Credit Check
With consent, you can:
- Run a full credit report
- Review payment history
- Assess debt levels
👉 It’s not just about the score—it’s about patterns.
✔️ Rental History
You can:
- Contact previous landlords
- Ask about payment habits
- Ask if they would rent to the tenant again
👉 This is often one of the most revealing steps.
What You CANNOT Ask (Critical for Compliance)
This is where many landlords get into trouble.
Under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, you cannot discriminate based on protected grounds.
❌ You cannot ask about:
- Race, ethnicity, or nationality
- Religion
- Gender or sexual orientation
- Family status (e.g., “Do you have kids?” in a discriminatory way)
- Disability or health conditions
- Source of income (e.g., rejecting someone because they receive assistance)
The Subtle Mistakes Landlords Make
Even experienced landlords can cross the line unintentionally.
Examples:
- Asking different questions to different applicants
- Making assumptions based on personal impressions
- Rejecting applicants without consistent criteria
👉 The key is consistency and objectivity.
Best Practices for GTA Landlords
To screen tenants effectively and stay compliant:
1. Use a Standardized Process
Ask every applicant the same core questions.
2. Focus on Financial Qualification
Base decisions on:
- Income stability
- Credit history
- Rental behavior
3. Document Everything
Keep records of:
- Applications
- Notes
- Decisions
4. Verify, Don’t Assume
Fraudulent documents are more common than many landlords realize.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Inconsistent employment information
- Poor credit history with no explanation
- Refusal to provide references
- Urgency to move in without proper screening
Final Thoughts
Tenant screening in Ontario is a balance between:
- Being thorough
- Staying compliant
The landlords who get this right:
- Reduce risk significantly
- Avoid long-term issues
- Build more stable rental income
The ones who don’t often learn the hard way.
Next step ...
Want a proven tenant screening process that protects your investment?
Owl’s Nest Property Management uses a structured, compliant screening system designed to secure high-quality tenants across the GTA.📞 (647) 367-5289 Ext. 1