How to Screen Tenants Legally in Ontario

Ontario Tenant Screening Guide · Updated for 2026

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Landlords can screen prospective tenants in Ontario, but the process must comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code. The safest approach is a consistent, documented process that evaluates legitimate tenancy-related factors without discriminating based on protected characteristics.

Information a Landlord May Consider

Ontario Human Rights Commission guidance recognizes rental history, credit references, credit checks, income information and guarantees as possible screening tools when used lawfully.

Do Not Treat No Credit History as Bad Credit

A lack of rental or credit history should not automatically be treated negatively. Newcomers, young applicants and people returning to the workforce may have limited history without being poor tenancy risks.

Income Information Has Special Rules

OHRC guidance states that income information should generally be requested and considered together with available rental history, credit references and credit checks. Landlords should not rely on arbitrary rent-to-income cutoffs such as a blanket 30% rule.

Protected Grounds Matter

Housing decisions cannot be based on prohibited grounds under the Human Rights Code. Examples can include race, ancestry, place of origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, marital status, disability, age and receipt of public assistance.

Build a Consistent Screening Process

• Use the same application form and core criteria for all applicants.
• Obtain consent before running credit checks.
• Verify references consistently.
• Consider the full picture rather than a single arbitrary ratio.
• Document objective reasons for the final decision.
• Protect applicant personal information.
• Avoid discriminatory rental ads or questions.

Choosing Tenant Screening Services

This guide focuses on the legal screening process and criteria, rather than comparing individual providers. For current free and paid options, pricing, report features and public-record research resources, see our dedicated Best Tenant Screening Services in Ontario comparison.

Important: Obtain the applicant’s permission before conducting a credit check. Screening criteria should be applied consistently and in a bona fide, non-discriminatory way. The Ontario Human Rights Commission states that landlords may request rental history, credit references and credit checks, but a lack of rental or credit history should not automatically be viewed negatively. Income information is also subject to specific human-rights rules. Read the OHRC rental-housing policy →

Guarantors and Co-Signers

Guarantees may be considered, but automatically demanding a guarantor from certain groups can create human-rights concerns. Apply policies consistently and obtain legal advice if a screening rule may disproportionately exclude a protected group.

Read the Ontario Human Rights Commission rental-housing policy and our Ontario Landlords & Tenants hub.

Compare screening providers: See our new Best Tenant Screening Services in Ontario guide for a side-by-side comparison of free and paid options.

Tenant Screening FAQ

Can an Ontario landlord run a credit check?

Yes, credit checks and credit references can be used as part of a lawful screening process, but they must be applied consistently and without discrimination.

Can a landlord reject someone only because their income is below a fixed ratio?

Ontario Human Rights Commission guidance says arbitrary rent-to-income ratios can create human-rights concerns and should not be used as a blanket screening rule.

General information only: Human-rights compliance is fact-specific. Landlords should obtain legal advice when designing screening rules or handling a discrimination complaint.