Criminal Record Checks for Tenants in Canada

How consent-based criminal record checks work for rental applicants in Canada, what the result means, and how to use it responsibly.

Some landlords include a criminal record check in their screening. Here's how it works in Canada and how to use the result responsibly.

How it works

A criminal record check searches Canadian records with the applicant's consent. With Vcheck, you order online, the applicant gives consent and confirms their identity through a secure link, and the result is added to your report — often within minutes once the applicant finishes.

Understanding the result

• A "cleared" or "no records found" result means the search found no record matching the applicant.
• A result that needs review means something may need a closer look. Read the full details before drawing any conclusion.
• A name-based search can sometimes match someone else with similar details. Fingerprint verification through the police is the way to confirm identity in those cases.

Using it responsibly

• Decide in advance whether you'll run this check, and run it for every applicant you consider, not just some.
• Consider how relevant and how recent any record is.
• Keep the result private and use it only for this rental decision.
• If an applicant believes a record is wrong, they should contact the RCMP or the local police service — only the source can correct it.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.