You can screen thoroughly on ability to pay and tenancy history. You cannot screen on who someone is. The BC Human Rights Code prohibits refusing a tenancy based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital or family status, age, ancestry, place of origin, or lawful source of income.
What you are entitled to verify
- Income and employment. Pay stubs, an employment letter, or for the self-employed, notices of assessment.
- Tenancy history. References from previous landlords — ideally the one before the current one, who has no incentive to move a difficult tenant along.
- Credit. With written consent, a credit check showing payment behaviour.
- Identity. Confirmation the applicant is who they claim to be.
Questions that create liability
Avoid anything that touches a protected ground, however conversationally it is framed: asking about plans to have children, where someone is originally from, whether income comes from disability assistance, age, or marital status.Source of income is protected. Refusing an applicant because their income comes from assistance rather than employment is discriminatory. You may assess whether income is sufficient and stable — not where it comes from.
A defensible process
Apply the same criteria, in the same order, to every applicant, and write them down before you advertise.
- Publish clear criteria in the listing (income threshold, references, pets, smoking).
- Use one standard application form for everyone.
- Verify income, then references, then credit.
- Record the reason for each decision against your stated criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask for a specific income-to-rent ratio?
Yes, applied consistently. A common benchmark is rent at or below roughly a third of gross income — but it must apply to every applicant equally.
Can I refuse pets?
Yes, pets are not a protected ground. Guide and service animals are different and must be accommodated.
Can I ask for a co-signer?
Yes, provided it is applied consistently and not used to screen out a protected group.
How many references should I check?
At least two, and speak to them rather than accepting written letters at face value.
Screening is where vacancies are won or lost
The wrong tenant costs far more than a few extra weeks of vacancy.
We screen, verify and document for owners across Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore.General information, not legal advice.
