How to Screen a Tenant in BC (Step by Step)

A step-by-step guide for BC landlords: protected grounds, consent-based checks, application fee rules, deposit limits and the move-in inspection.

British Columbia has clear rules on what landlords can ask, charge and collect. This guide walks through a fair screening process that fits BC's Residential Tenancy Act.

1. Set your criteria before you advertise

Decide what you need from every applicant — move-in date, occupants, rental history, references and the checks you'll run — and use the same criteria for everyone.

2. Know what the Human Rights Code protects

BC's Human Rights Code protects tenants from discrimination based on Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age and lawful source of income. Some exceptions apply, such as certain adult-only or seniors' housing.

3. Don't charge an application fee

In BC, landlords can't charge a fee to accept or process a rental application. If you use a screening service, keep this in mind when deciding who pays.

4. Run consent-based checks

• Identity verification — confirms the applicant is who they say they are, using a government photo ID.
• Credit report — shows credit history and payment patterns, with the applicant's consent.
• Criminal record check — a Canadian criminal record search, with consent.

BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) expects you to collect only what you reasonably need and to explain why. With Vcheck, the applicant sees what's being checked and gives consent on their phone before anything runs.

5. Call references

Ask previous landlords factual questions: dates of tenancy, whether rent was paid on time, and the condition of the unit at move-out.

6. Deposits, the lease and the inspection

A security deposit in BC can't be more than half a month's rent, and a pet damage deposit can't be more than half a month's rent. Tenancy agreements must be in writing, and you must do a move-in condition inspection with the tenant and give them a copy of the report.

7. Keep records private

Store screening results securely, use them only for this rental decision and don't keep them longer than you need.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, see BC's Residential Tenancy Branch, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, or speak with a lawyer.