In This Article:
- ⚓ Why Standard Screening Is Not Enough
- ⚓ The Law on Sealed Criminal Records in Ontario
- ⚓ Real-Life Example: The Risk You Can’t See
- ⚓ How Blue Anchor Has Strengthened Its Process
- ⚓ What Landlords Can Do Today
- ⚓ FAQ: Hidden Tenant Risks in Ontario
Why Standard Screening Is Not Enough
Tenant screening in Ontario is essential—but it has blind spots. While most landlords use credit reports, reference checks, and background screenings, these don’t tell the full story. Even tenants who seem ideal can have risks hidden beneath the surface. That’s why it’s vital to go beyond the basics when screening tenants in Ontario.The Law on Sealed Criminal Records in Ontario
Ontario privacy laws protect criminal records—especially in cases involving children. When a parent has a history that could endanger a child’s identity or well-being, those records may be sealed. Unfortunately, this means background checks can return clean results even if significant concerns exist. Learn more about how tenant rights and privacy laws in Ontario affect what landlords can access.Real-Life Example: The Risk You Can’t See
At Blue Anchor, we once screened a tenant who looked perfect on paper. Credit, employment, references—all strong. Weeks after move-in, she was arrested. When we followed up with police, we learned her record was sealed to protect her child’s identity. The experience was sobering, and a reminder: no system is perfect.
How Blue Anchor Has Strengthened Its Process
After that case, we took action to improve our already-thorough process:- Enhanced reference checks: We now ask landlords about red flags, not just payment history.
- In-person interviews: Meeting tenants gives insight that forms can’t provide.
- Community relationships: We keep open dialogue with local service providers for added context.
- Staff training: We hold workshops on identifying red flags and staying compliant with new rental regulations in Ontario.
What Landlords Can Do Today
- Be thorough, but realistic—no system is flawless.
- Ask for details on rental behavior—not just if rent was paid.
- Make insurance mandatory—see our post on what tenant insurance won’t cover.
- Document everything with a lease. If unsure which lease to use, read our guide on Ontario lease types.
