The best eviction is the one you never have to file. Thorough tenant screening before signing a lease is the most effective way to avoid LTB applications, rent arrears, and property damage. Here are the red flags that experienced landlords and paralegals know to watch for.
Reluctance to Provide Documentation
A qualified tenant generally has no reason to withhold documentation. A prospective tenant who delays providing a credit check, refuses to give references, offers only partial income verification, or asks to bypass your standard process should raise a concern. The process exists for a reason — a tenant who wants to skip it should be screened more carefully, not less.
Income That Does Not Support the Rent
A common guideline is that monthly rent should not exceed 35 to 40 percent of a tenant’s gross monthly income. If the rent significantly exceeds this ratio, the tenant may struggle to pay consistently. Ask for pay stubs, an employment letter, or bank statements. Self-employed tenants should provide tax returns and contracts.
A Pattern of Short Tenancies
A rental history that shows a pattern of short tenancies — one year or less, repeatedly — warrants a closer look. Ask the applicant about their previous tenancies directly. Multiple recent moves may indicate rental disputes, evictions, or an inability to maintain stable housing.
Negative References or No References at All
Always call references — especially previous landlords. Ask direct questions: would you rent to this person again? Did they pay rent on time? Did they give proper notice when leaving? A reference who is vague, evasive, or who declines to answer these questions is giving you information, even if not explicitly.
Pressure to Move In Quickly
Urgency is not always suspicious — but a prospective tenant who applies extreme pressure to sign the lease immediately, skip steps, or move in before you have completed your verification deserves scrutiny. Urgency sometimes signals a situation the tenant wants to get ahead of — like a pending eviction at their current address.
What Comes Next
Stonegate helps Ontario landlords establish proper tenant screening processes. Book a free call at https://calendly.com/stonegatelegalservices/20min.
▶ Watch: Ontario Tenant Screening 101: What Every Landlord Needs to Know
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