Tenant Management Essentials
Tenant screening is one of the most important steps in the rental process. A good tenant pays rent on time, respects the property, and stays long-term. A bad tenant can cost thousands in unpaid rent, damage, and legal fees.
Under Ontario's Human Rights Code, landlords cannot refuse to rent based on protected grounds including race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family status, disability, or receipt of public assistance.
Screening and Placement
What you can legally assess: credit history and credit score, rental history and references from previous landlords, employment and income verification (generally looking for income of 2.5-3x monthly rent), and criminal background (limited — cannot refuse solely due to criminal history without individualized assessment).
The credit check is your most objective screening tool. Request consent to pull a full credit report through Equifax or TransUnion. Look for payment history, outstanding debt load, and any collections or judgments. A score above 650 is generally acceptable; below 600 warrants careful review.
Retaining Quality Tenants
Landlord reference checks are often more informative than credit scores. Ask previous landlords: Did they pay on time? Did they give proper notice? Would you rent to them again? How was the unit left? Be cautious if a landlord is overly brief or vague.
Employment verification: ask for a recent pay stub or employer letter confirming employment and income. Self-employed applicants should provide 2 years of T4s or NOAs. Verify the income source can support the rent sustainably.
D&D Property Management conducts comprehensive tenant screening on every applicant — credit, references, employment — so our clients get qualified, reliable tenants from day one.
Key Takeaways
- By Devon Moore, Operations Lead Tenant screening is one of the most important steps in the rental process.
- What you can legally assess: credit history and credit score, rental history and references from previous landlords, emp...
- Landlord reference checks are often more informative than credit scores.
- D&D Property Management serves Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and surrounding areas
- Get a free no-obligation quote — call or book online anytime
Sources & References
- Ontario Building Code — Relevant Standards & Guidelines
- D&D Property Management field experience across Waterloo Region
