Top Questions to Ask Prospective Tenants in Ontario

Selecting the right tenant is one of the most important steps in protecting your rental investment.
A proper tenant interview—done naturally and conversationally—reveals far more than a written application ever will.
This guide walks Ontario landlords through the essential questions to ask during showings and phone screenings
to identify reliability, honesty, rental history, and financial stability.

1. Screening Starts Immediately — Not at the Showing

Your screening begins the very moment the tenant reaches out — not when they arrive at the property. When a lead comes in,
whether by email, text, or online platform, your first message should always be:

“Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself, your employment, your monthly income, and how many occupants
will be living in the unit?”

This instantly reveals whether the tenant is cooperative, organized, honest, and financially stable.

If a tenant refuses to answer, the screening stops right there. You are running a business — not taking risks.

2. Meeting the Tenant — Body Language Matters

When meeting the tenant in person, shake their hand, maintain eye contact, and observe their posture and reactions.
You are assessing communication style, honesty, and overall confidence — all important indicators of whether they will
pay rent on time and communicate professionally.

I never “rapid-fire” questions. I ask them naturally throughout the showing so the tenant feels comfortable, relaxed,
and reveals their true personality.

3. Start With Light, Natural Questions

Ask these casually throughout the showing:

• “Where do you work?”
• “How long have you been working there?”
• “Where are you living right now?”
• “How is your relationship with your current landlord?”

Watch carefully for hesitation, inconsistent stories, or defensiveness — all red flags.

4. Clarify Household & Occupancy Details

This is critical for all units, especially student rentals, basement units, and shared houses.

• “How many people will be living here?”
• “What does each person in the household do for work?”
• “Do you have any dependants, children, or pets?”

Get this information early to avoid surprises and wasted time.

5. Evaluate Income & Financial Stability

These questions determine whether the tenant is financially secure and honest about their finances:

• “What is your combined monthly household income?”
• “Are you comfortable with a full credit check and employment verification?”
• “Is there anything on your credit report that we should expect to see?”

Their confidence (or lack of it) here is extremely telling.

6. Confirm Rental History & Red Flags

These questions help uncover evictions, arrears, judgments, or disputes:

• “Are you currently paid up in full with your rent?”
• “Can you show receipts or proof of payment?”
• “Do you mind if we contact your current landlord?”
• “Why are you moving?”

Trust your instincts — hesitation, inconsistent answers, or avoidance are major red flags.

7. Set Professional Screening Expectations

Make sure tenants fully understand your standards:

“We conduct full screening for all applicants including credit checks, ID verification, employment verification,
previous landlord references, rent reporting, and an LTB order search.”

You can also explain that LandlordEzy.ca handles:

• Verification of all documents
• Credit & income screening
• Monthly Equifax rent reporting
• Eviction process support
• Public posting of judgments

8. Optional Lifestyle & Fit Questions

These questions reveal personality, routines, and overall compatibility:

• “What do you do for fun?”
• “What does a typical weekday look like?”
• “What matters most to you in a rental home?”
• “Is there anything here you would change or recommend?”

These questions help you understand how they will communicate and treat your property.

Additional Resources for Ontario Landlords

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Created by Paul J Rouillard, Founder of:

• OLH Property Management
• LandlordEzy.ca
• List It Realty Brokerage Inc.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Ontario Landlords