How to Find Good Tenants in Ontario

A great tenant pays on time, looks after your place, and stays for years. A bad one can cost you months of lost rent and a stressful trip to the Landlord and Tenant Board. The difference usually comes down to how you find and screen applicants. This guide walks Ontario landlords through attracting, vetting, and choosing tenants the right way.

Key takeaways

• A detailed, honest listing with good photos attracts better-quality applicants.
• Always verify income, credit, references, and rental history before approving anyone.
• Set objective criteria up front to keep your screening fair and consistent.
• Ontario human rights law limits what you can ask and refuse — know the rules.
• HOMEH helps landlords list and fill rentals, with the industry's highest Cashback Rebate when you also buy.

Start with a listing that attracts the right people

Tenant quality starts before anyone applies. A clear, detailed listing sets expectations and filters out applicants who aren't a fit. Use bright, accurate photos, list the rent and what's included, and be upfront about rules around smoking, parking, and pets. Honesty saves you from awkward viewings and early turnover. If you're just starting out, our full walkthrough on how to become a landlord in Ontario covers the legal groundwork.

Pricing matters too. Rent that's far below market draws a flood of unqualified applicants; rent that's too high sits empty. Anchor your number to comparable units and read our guide on how to set the right rent price before you publish.

Screen every applicant the same way

Consistent screening is your best protection against both bad tenants and discrimination complaints. Decide your criteria before you advertise, then apply them to everyone. A standard rental application plus the checks below give you a complete picture.

• Income — many landlords look for monthly rent at or below about a third of gross income; ask for pay stubs or a job letter.
• Credit check — with the applicant's written consent, a credit report shows payment habits and debt load.
• References — speak to the current and previous landlords, not just the one they're leaving.
• Rental history — confirm they paid on time and left units in good condition.
• Employment — verify the job and stability of income directly with the employer.

Call the previous landlord, not just the current one

A current landlord eager to see a difficult tenant leave may give a glowing reference. The previous landlord has no reason to stretch the truth — they're often your most honest source.

Know what you can and can't ask

Ontario's Human Rights Code prohibits refusing tenants based on protected grounds such as race, religion, family status, disability, age, sexual orientation, and receipt of public assistance. You can screen on income, credit, and references — but you can't reject someone because they have children or are on social assistance. Keep your reasons documented and tied to objective criteria.

You also can't refuse to rent to someone simply because they have a pet, since "no-pet" clauses are void under the Residential Tenancies Act. Build your process around what's actually allowed.

What good tenants look for in a landlord

Screening goes both ways. The most reliable tenants have options, and they choose landlords who are responsive, fair, and professional. Quick replies to inquiries, a clean unit at viewing, and a clear written lease all signal that you'll be easy to deal with — which is exactly what a long-term tenant wants. Brushing up on how to be a good landlord pays off in lower turnover.

Lower turnover beats higher rent

A reliable tenant who stays three years saves you repeated vacancy, advertising, and turnover costs. Sometimes keeping a great tenant at slightly below-market rent is the more profitable move.

Finalize with a proper lease

Once you've chosen an applicant, lock everything in with the mandatory Ontario Standard Lease. Collect the legal deposit (last month's rent), confirm the start date, and document the unit's condition. See our checklist of rental lease agreement essentials so nothing slips through.

Buying an investment property to rent out?

Eligible HOMEH buyers receive the industry's highest Cashback Rebate — money you can put straight toward an income property. Sellers list for 1%, or free when they also buy with HOMEH within 6 months, or $395 + HST with a Mere Posting. Estimate yours with the cashback calculator, and lean on HOMEH to help fill it once you own it.