Imagine this…

You’ve finally found a tenant who seems perfect, only to realize — too late — that their income isn’t stable enough to pay the rent on time.

Misjudging a tenant’s financial reliability can mean months of unpaid rent, costly legal battles, evictions, frequent turnover, or even damage to your property.

This blog shows you everything landlords need to know about tenant income verification in BC, Canada — including:

The right documents to request
Your legal boundaries
The benefits of using a tenant verification service to manage the entire process

Tenant Verification Info You Can Ask For in BC

Can you ask a tenant for proof of income in BC, Canada? Yes, but you have to be cautious about what type of information you request, and how you go about getting the information.

Here’s how to verify tenant income in BC…

1. Request Income Documentation

The first step to verify tenant income is to ask for specific documents that prove their employment status and stated income level:

Recent pay stubs
Tax documents like T4 slips
An employment verification letter on company letterhead
Contract documents (for contract workers / freelancers)

Be cautious not to discriminate based on income type, as this is prohibited under BC’s human rights laws.

That means you should not reject an applicant based solely on whether their earnings come from full-time, part-time, or non-traditional sources like contracting.

2. Employer Verification

With the tenant’s permission, you can contact their employer to verify employment status.

You can ask for the applicant’s:

Job title
Employment history
Employment dates, and
An income verification letter

For privacy reasons, many employers in BC will only confirm the tenant’s job title and employment dates, but withhold the salary due to company policy.

The best practice is to focus only on what’s necessary to avoid disclosing unnecessary information or overstepping PIPA privacy guidelines.

3. Credit Check

A credit report provides insight into the tenant’s credit history, outstanding debts, and payment habits, which are crucial indicators of their ability to consistently pay rent on time.

Combining income verification with a credit check gives you a more comprehensive picture of a tenant’s financial reliability.

How to Perform a Credit Check in BC:

Obtain Consent: Legally, you must have the tenant’s written consent to run a credit check., which you can include this as part of your application process.
Choose a Credit Bureau: In Canada, you can use reputable services like Equifax or TransUnion to access a tenant’s credit report.
Evaluate Key Factors:

- Credit Score: A score of 650 or higher is typically considered a sign of good credit
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: Helps you see if the tenant’s current financial obligations are manageable
- Payment History: Look for consistent, timely payments on loans & credit cards
- Spot Red Flags: Be on the lookout for bankruptcies, collections, or a pattern of late payments

4. Alternative Sources

If your potential tenant is a self-employed entrepreneur or contract worker, ask them for invoices, bank statements, or contracts to show proof of income.

Learn more: Essential Record Keeping for Property Managers in Canada

Information You Shouldn’t Ask For

Under BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), you have to be careful about what type of financial information you request from tenant applicants.

Some data points are not permissible for landlords to request…

First, avoid requesting information beyond what’s essential for evaluating rental eligibility:

Sensitive data like detailed personal financial records outside of income documentation
Private employment history not directly relevant to the rental agreement form in BC

Second, BC’s human rights laws prevent discrimination based on the source of income.

Third, The Human Rights Code protects tenants against discrimination based on race, religion, ancestry, sex, gender identity, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, and disability.

Learn more: BC’s Personal Information Protection Act for Landlords

Tenant Screening Services: Costs & Benefits

Verifying income, collecting pay stubs, and checking employment history can be time-consuming.

If you’re looking to simplify your life, stay compliant, and get thorough insights into your potential tenants, consider using a tenant verification service — also known as a tenant screening service.

Tenant screening services help you streamline the income verification process and save time by including employment, background checks, and other relevant assessments.

Good tenant screening companies are trained to conduct employment and income verification in compliance with PIPA to ensure your selection process stays within legal bounds.

Most screening services charge either a flat fee or a per-report fee, so you can choose an option that aligns with your budget and needs.

Related Content: 10 Things To Do Before Renting Out Your Home

Award-Winning Kelowna Property Managers in Kelowna

If tenant screening feels like a lot to handle, let our experienced team in Kelowna take it off your plate.

At Vantage West Realty, our Property Management team offers comprehensive tenant screening that includes everything from employment income verification to background checks.

We’re here to help you select tenants who meet strict financial and reliability standards, so you get reliable tenants who respect your property, pay rent on time, and don’t turnover too quickly.

Full-Service Property Management by Vantage West Realty

Our property management team takes care of every aspect of the rental process, from screening to performing maintenance and handling rental disputes.

Enjoy a hands-off rental income with the peace of mind that your property is being managed by experienced, award-winning professionals.

Get in Touch

How to Verify Tenant Income in BC, Canada