Securing the Right Tenant in Calgary’s Rental Market

Finding the ideal tenant for your Calgary investment property is key to ensuring consistent rental income and avoiding future complications. It requires a careful screening process that complies with Alberta’s residential tenancy and human rights laws.

1. Define and Clarify Your Ideal Tenant

• Set clear criteria before listing, including:

  • Minimum income requirements (e.g., rent ≤ 35% of gross income)

  • Need for a guarantor if income is low

  • Preferred rental history length

  • Desired lease period: short‑term vs. long‑term

  • Policies on pets and smoking

  • Target demographic: professionals, students, families (within anti‑discrimination limits)
    

2. Create a Clear, Targeted Listing

• Highlight essential info upfront (e.g., no‑pet, non‑smoking).

• Be transparent about income requirements and lease terms.

  
  

3. Pre‑Screen with Consistent Criteria

• Use a questionnaire to filter candidates before showings.

• Ask for: name, address, DOB, ID (Driver’s licence/passport), rental history, employment, income, occupant details.
  

4. Know What You Can—and Can’t—Ask

• Allowed: identity verification, rental/employment history, permission for credit checks, income, who will live in the unit. 

• Prohibited: any questions about SIN, age, religion, country of origin, mental/physical disability, gender, family or marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or social assistance status. 
  

5. Conduct Showings Strategically

• Meet candidates in person for showings to assess fit and interest. 

  
  

6. Application and Verification Process

• Require full applications: rental history, income proof, references, consent for credit and background checks. 

• Verify: IDs, income/employment, landlord references, credit, and background checks as needed. 
  

7. Affordability Check

• Ensure rent doesn’t exceed 35% of tenant’s gross income for financial stability. 
  

8. Maintain Fairness and Documentation

• Apply screening criteria uniformly to all applicants to avoid bias. 

• Keep organized records of every application, screening step, and communications—especially if questions of fairness arise.