Screening tenants properly—and fairly

Good screening relies on objective criteria applied to every applicant: ability to pay, former landlord references and, with written consent, a credit check.

Québec's Charter of human rights and freedoms prohibits discrimination, including on the basis of origin, age, disability or having children. Law 25 also governs personal information: ask only for what is necessary and keep files secure.

Use a consistent process

Define relevant criteria in advance and apply the same process to applicants. A simple checklist separates verifiable facts from personal impressions. Explain the steps and timing clearly.

Verify without overcollecting

Request only information necessary for assessment. Explain its use and obtain required consent before checks. An information-heavy document is not always the best evidence; consider less intrusive alternatives.

Secure applications

Restrict access to authorized staff, avoid group-message transfers and set appropriate retention practices. Applications should not remain indefinitely in inboxes or on personal devices.

Confirm the agreement

Before signing, verify inclusions, occupants and the occupancy date. Careful screening reduces risk but cannot guarantee a tenant’s future behaviour.

General information: rules and circumstances may vary. Check official sources or consult a professional about your situation.