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.
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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!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.