Should Landlords bother doing a Tenant Background Check?
As a landlord, tenants can cause some major headaches that are best avoided. For example, some tenants may skip out on rent, some tenants might damage your property, just to mention a few. Basically, a lot can go wrong with tenants, as they are strangers with only rental contractual obligations binding you alongside them as a landlord.
This article will highlight how important it is for landlords to do a background check for prospective tenants so that they can get all the data they need to get to know these tenants better and avoid any headaches.
What Is a Tenant Background Check?
At the heart of it, a tenant background check is a method of screening potential renters. This is done by getting data driven insight into their pasts to find out their history as renters. This history is then used as a predictive tool to gauge how good they will be as renters.
A good source of tenant background checks are credit bureaus, like Equifax, and court record databases. A criminal record check will provide information on the prospective tenant’s criminal history, felonies, charges, and any other court records tied to the tenant. Credit bureaus, on the other hand, provide information on the credit score of prospective tenants and when combined with the criminal history of prospective tenants, it helps to paint a complete picture that can then be used in decision making.
How to run a Tenant Credit & Background Check?
That’s simple! The prospective renters fill a rental application, and the information you will need from the tenant to run a background check is:
- The legal full name of the applicant
- The applicant’s current address
- The date of birth of the applicant
- The applicant’s Social Security Number (required for criminal records check)
Once these fields are filled, these details are fed into the credit bureaus and national criminal check database and a comprehensive background check will be produced.
To run a tenant background check in Canada, you can use SingleKey, one of the fastest background checks in Canada – ready in only 5 minutes.
What are the main Reasons for running a Background Check on Prospective Renters?
These reasons are as follows;
1) Knowing the Financial Situation of the Prospective Tenants
This is very important to know as a landlord, as this knowledge helps you to gauge the tenant’s ability to pay the rent.
The credit report allows landlords to see how much debt is owed by the prospective tenant, what their monthly debt payments are, if they are behind on payments as well as any recent collections or bankruptcies.
All this information will help paint a complete picture that will make it easier to decide on whether to move forward with the tenant.
2) Knowing the Criminal Background of the Prospective Tenant
At the end of the day you do not want to rent your home to a tenant with a violent criminal history as you will have to deal with that tenant for the remainder of the lease. This is especially important if you are renting part of your home to them. By running a National Criminal Records Search you can have peace of mind knowing that you are not letting a convicted criminal into your home who may cause serious headaches during the lease, and who may be downright dangerous to deal with.
3) Knowing the Eviction History of Prospective Tenants
There is a popular saying that goes: “those who don’t know the past are bound to repeat it.” An eviction is not something you would want to repeat, this we can assure you. It is usually a lengthy, stressful and costly process. Most background checks will include a past eviction search.
In Conclusion
It pays to do your proper due diligence on your tenant by running a background check. It will help landlords get to know their prospective tenants and avoid any potential troublesome tenants. These checks are easy, fast and affordable, with prices per background check ranging from $20 to $40.
Alex Irish
CEO & Team Leader - Sales Representative
Alex Irish has been a leading force in real estate for over thirty years, establishing a reputation as one of Oakville’s most respected and successful realtors. Known for her unwavering work ethic and ethical approach, Alex consistently ranks among the top producers in the industry.
Her commitment to client satisfaction is unparalleled, exemplified by her signature concierge service that ensures each client receives personalized and dedicated attention. In late 2016, Alex embraced a new chapter as the Team Leader of Alex Irish & Associates, where she could uphold the high standards of service that have defined her career.
In 2024, Alex expanded her team’s reach by merging with the Regan team to create Regan Irish & Associates, forming a dynamic new firm that blends the strengths of both businesses. This partnership not only enhances their services but also provides clients with greater resources and an expanded network, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven approach that clients have come to trust.
Alex’s insights on real estate trends are highly sought after, and she has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times and Globe & Mail. A certified luxury marketing specialist, she has received numerous accolades throughout her career and frequently speaks at industry conferences.
Every February, Alex and her team at Regan Irish & Associates participate in the Kindness Tour, a tradition launched in 2017. During this month-long initiative, the entire team supports 28 local charities, embodying the company’s commitment to community. In recognition of their efforts, they were nominated for a Community Spirit Award.
At the heart of Alex’s philosophy is the belief in “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” She is deeply committed to building lifelong client relationships and takes pride in mentoring a dedicated team of agents while continuing to actively sell real estate.
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FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB) 
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
