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A bad tenant in Ontario doesn't just skip rent — they're difficult and expensive to remove. The LTB process averages 6 to 18 months from filing to possession. At $2,000/month that's $12,000–$36,000 in exposure, plus legal fees, plus repairs. The province's tenant protections are strong by design, and that's not changing.
The good news: most bad tenants announce themselves during the application process. After years of managing properties in London, St. Thomas, and Strathroy, these are the seven signals we've learned to never ignore.
1. Urgency Without Explanation
The pattern: "I need to move in this week" or "Can I skip the application and just give you a deposit right now?"
Legitimate tenants can usually give reasonable notice before their move-in. When someone is in a rush with no explanation, there's often a reason — an eviction notice, a falling out with their current landlord, or information they haven't disclosed about their situation.
What to do: Be flexible on move-in dates for the right tenant. But don't compress your screening process because of their urgency. That pressure is theirs to manage, not yours.
2. Incomplete or Inconsistent Employment Information
The pattern: The application says "self-employed" but they can't provide bank statements. Or their stated income doesn't match their Notice of Assessment. Or they list a job title but can't provide an employer contact.
The standard rule: a tenant's gross monthly income should be at least 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a $1,800/month unit in London, that's $4,500–$5,400/month — roughly $54,000–$65,000/year.
What to do: Require a recent pay stub, bank statement showing regular deposits, or a letter of employment. Self-employed applicants should provide two years of NOA documents. No documentation — no lease.
3. Resistance to Reference Checks
The pattern: "My previous landlord isn't available." "We left on bad terms." "I've been renting from family."
Past landlords are your single best predictor of future behavior. If an applicant can't or won't provide contact information for previous landlords, that silence is information.
What to do: Require at least two landlord references — and call them yourself. Don't accept written letters you can't verify. When you call, ask:
- Did they pay rent on time?
- Did they give proper notice when leaving?
- Would you rent to them again?
- Did they leave the unit in good condition?
That last question is the most revealing. A hesitant "yes" is often a no.
4. Credit Score Below 620 With No Context
The pattern: A low credit score with no explanation offered.
Under 620 doesn't automatically disqualify someone — life happens. The difference is whether the applicant can explain it honestly and show their situation has improved.
Medical debt, a divorce, a job loss a few years ago — these are understandable. A pattern of unpaid bills and active collection accounts with no explanation is different.
What to do: Ask open-ended questions: "Is there anything on your credit report we should know about?" A straightforward applicant will tell you. If credit is a concern, you can ask for a larger deposit — up to a maximum of first and last month's rent under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act.
5. Wanting to Add "One More Person" After the Application
The pattern: They apply as a couple, sign the lease — then mention a third person will be living there "temporarily."
Unauthorized occupants create layered problems: extra wear on the unit, potential subletting, and if the lease-holder leaves, you may have someone in your property you never screened.
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What to do: Make it clear from the start that everyone living in the unit full-time must be on the application. Include occupancy limits and an unauthorized occupants clause in your lease.
6. Pressure to Skip Checks "Just This Once"
The pattern: "I have great references but I just need somewhere now — can we skip the credit check and I'll pay three months upfront?"
This feels like an offer. It's a warning sign. Tenants who lead with cash to bypass process are usually aware their process results won't work in their favour. Three months of prepaid rent is a one-time gesture — you still have a 12-month tenancy.
What to do: Keep your process uniform across every applicant, regardless of what they offer upfront. A tenant who asks you to make an exception before they've even moved in will ask again after they have.
7. Landlord Contact Information You Can't Independently Verify
The pattern: Their "previous landlord" turns out to be a friend, a sibling, or an unverifiable phone number. The reference says all the right things — but nothing specific.
Fabricated or coached references are more common than landlords expect. A scripted glowing review with no real details is a red flag.
What to do: Search the address they listed on their application to confirm who actually owns it (MPAC or municipal property records in Ontario are publicly accessible). Call the number they give, but also find the property owner independently and see if the numbers match.
The Screening Process We Use
At Prospera Properties, every applicant goes through:
- Full credit check (with written consent)
- Income verification — pay stubs, employer letter, or two years of NOA for self-employed
- Two landlord references — we call both, every time, and verify contact details independently
- Employment verification — employer name, address, and HR contact
- Criminal background check (where legally permissible under Ontario's Human Rights Code)
We document every step and keep records in case of future disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income standard should Ontario landlords use when screening tenants?
A common benchmark is that a tenant's gross monthly income should be at least 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a $1,800/month unit, that's approximately $4,500–$5,400/month gross. For self-employed applicants or those with variable income, ask for two years of Notices of Assessment to establish a reliable income picture.
Can an Ontario landlord refuse to rent to someone because of a low credit score?
You can consider credit history as part of your screening, but you cannot refuse based on protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. A credit score below 620 is a relevant factor — but context matters. An applicant who explains a low score honestly (medical debt, past hardship) and demonstrates recovery is different from someone with an unexplained pattern of unpaid accounts. Document your reasons any time you decline an applicant.
What questions should a landlord ask when calling a previous landlord reference?
Ask: Did they pay rent on time? Did they give proper notice when leaving? Would you rent to them again? Did they leave the unit in good condition? Call references yourself rather than accepting written letters, verify the phone number independently, and listen as much for hesitation as for what's actually said.
Can a landlord run a credit check on a rental applicant in Ontario?
Yes, with the applicant's written consent. Ontario's privacy legislation (PIPEDA and provincial rules) requires written permission before pulling a credit report. Include a credit check consent form as part of your rental application. Equifax and TransUnion both offer landlord-specific products.
Is it legal to ask a rental applicant about immigration status or citizenship in Ontario?
No. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, citizenship and immigration status are protected grounds. You cannot ask about these during screening or use them to refuse tenancy. You may ask for government-issued ID to verify identity, but must treat all applicants equally regardless of status.
How long does it take to evict a non-paying tenant in Ontario?
From filing an N4 notice to receiving an order from the LTB and having the Sheriff enforce it, the process typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the caseload in your region and whether the tenant disputes the claim. In London and surrounding areas, LTB wait times have ranged from 4 to 14 months for a hearing date. This is why thorough upfront screening is not optional — it is your primary protection.
The Bottom Line
The two hours you spend screening a tenant today is what prevents you from spending six months at the LTB. A thorough screening process combined with a solid lease agreement and a careful move-in inspection is the most reliable protection a landlord in Ontario has.
If you'd rather not manage tenant screening yourself — or you want a second opinion on a specific applicant — we handle the entire process and we stand behind every tenant we place.