Tenant Screening Rules by Province in Canada

Deposit limits and where to get help in each Canadian province, plus the screening rules that apply everywhere: consent, fairness and privacy.

Every province sets its own landlord and tenant rules, but good screening looks much the same across Canada. Here's what applies everywhere, followed by a quick guide to each province.

What applies everywhere

• Get the applicant's consent before running identity, credit or criminal record checks, and explain why you're checking.
• Collect only what you need for the rental decision, and keep it secure.
• Apply the same criteria to every applicant. Every province's human rights law bans discrimination in housing.
• Don't require a Social Insurance Number. Offer another option, such as a driver's licence.
• If a report affects your decision, tell the applicant so they can check it with the source.

Security deposit limits at a glance

• Alberta — up to one month's rent, held in trust.
• British Columbia — up to half a month's rent, plus a pet damage deposit up to half a month's rent.
• Ontario — no damage deposit; a rent deposit up to one month's rent, used for the last month.
• Quebec — security deposits are not allowed.
• Saskatchewan — up to one month's rent.
• Manitoba — up to half a month's rent.
• Nova Scotia — up to half a month's rent.
• New Brunswick — up to one month's rent, held by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
• Newfoundland and Labrador — up to three-quarters of a month's rent.
• Prince Edward Island — up to one month's rent.

Rules change and extra conditions often apply (for example, interest owed on deposits). Always confirm with the provincial office before you collect.

Where to get help in each province

• Alberta — Service Alberta (Residential Tenancies Act); RTDRS for disputes.
• British Columbia — Residential Tenancy Branch.
• Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board.
• Quebec — Tribunal administratif du logement.
• Saskatchewan — Office of Residential Tenancies.
• Manitoba — Residential Tenancies Branch.
• Nova Scotia — Residential Tenancies Program.
• New Brunswick — Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
• Newfoundland and Labrador — Residential Tenancies Section, Digital Government and Service NL.
• Prince Edward Island — Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC).

A note on Quebec

Quebec has its own private-sector privacy law, and the Commission d'accès à l'information has guidance limiting what landlords may ask applicants. Collect only what's needed to assess the rental, and get clear consent for any checks.

Screening with Vcheck in any province

Vcheck works the same way across Canada: you order online, the applicant gives consent and verifies their ID on their phone, and identity, credit and criminal record results come back to you in one report.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check your province's current rules or speak with a lawyer for your situation.