Finding the right tenant is one of the most important decisions a landlord can make. A thorough rental application process helps protect your investment, reduce turnover, and avoid disputes with tenants later on. In Ontario, many landlords rely on Form 410, the standard rental application created by the Ontario Real Estate Association, to collect and review applicant information.
For property owners in Belleville, Trenton, Cobourg, Oshawa, Picton, Campbellford, Port Hope, and Brighton, understanding how Form 410 works is essential. This guide explains what Form 410 is, what information it includes, what landlords can and cannot ask for, and how to use it responsibly as part of a compliant tenant screening process in Ontario.
Key Takeaways
Form 410 is a commonly used rental application in Ontario, but it is not legally required
The form helps landlords collect employment, income, and rental history information
Human rights and privacy laws limit how applications can be reviewed
Form 410 is not a lease and does not guarantee tenancy
What Is Form 410?
Form 410, often referred to as the Ontario Rental Application, is a standardized form developed by the Ontario Real Estate Association. It is widely used by landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals to gather information from prospective tenants before approving a rental.
While Form 410 is popular across the province, it is important to understand that it is not mandated by Ontario law. Landlords are free to use their own application forms, provided they comply with the Residential Tenancies Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Many landlords choose Form 410 because it offers a familiar and structured format that helps reduce the risk of asking inappropriate questions.
Form 410 is also not a lease agreement. Completing or submitting the application does not create a tenancy, nor does it obligate a landlord to rent the unit to an applicant.
What Information Does Form 410 Collect?
Form 410 is designed to help landlords evaluate whether an applicant is a good fit for a rental property. The form typically includes several key sections.
Personal and Household Information
Applicants are asked to provide basic details such as their full legal name, current address, contact information, and the number of people who would live in the rental unit. This helps landlords confirm identity and determine whether the household size is appropriate for the property.
Employment and Income Details
Form 410 allows landlords to request information about an applicant’s employment and income, including their employer, position, length of employment, and income level. In competitive Central Ontario rental markets like Belleville and Oshawa, verifying stable income is an important part of responsible tenant screening.
Landlords must apply the same income criteria to every applicant and avoid setting requirements that could be considered discriminatory.
Rental History and References
Applicants may be asked to list previous addresses, past landlords, and the length of prior tenancies. This information can provide insight into how an applicant has treated previous rental homes and whether there were recurring issues such as late payments or property damage.
Form 410 also includes consent language that allows landlords to contact employers and previous landlords for verification purposes.
What Landlords Cannot Ask on Form 410
Ontario landlords must follow the Ontario Human Rights Code when reviewing rental applications. Certain questions and criteria are not permitted, even if they appear relevant to a rental decision.
Landlords cannot refuse an applicant or treat them differently based on protected grounds such as race, religion, family status, marital status, disability, gender identity, or receipt of social assistance. Asking questions that directly or indirectly reveal this information can expose landlords to human rights complaints.
For example, landlords should avoid questions about family plans or pregnancy, citizenship status beyond what is legally required, medical conditions or disabilities, and religious practices or cultural background.
Using Form 410 responsibly means focusing on lawful screening factors like income stability, rental history, and references, rather than personal characteristics.
How Form 410 Fits Into the Ontario Rental Process
Form 410 is only one step in the broader tenant screening process. Even if an applicant completes the form and appears qualified, landlords must still follow proper procedures before tenancy begins.
In Ontario, a tenancy is created only when a landlord and tenant sign a lease and the tenant takes possession of the rental unit. Until that point, landlords are free to review applications, verify information, and select the most suitable applicant, provided decisions are made fairly and consistently.
Many landlords in Central Ontario choose to work with a professional property manager to handle this process. Proper screening, documentation, and communication help reduce the risk of disputes and ensure compliance with provincial laws.
Frequently Asked Questions about Form 410
Is Form 410 mandatory in Ontario?
No. Ontario law does not require landlords to use Form 410. It is a commonly used standard form, but landlords may use other application formats as long as they comply with applicable laws.
Does accepting a Form 410 mean I have to rent to the applicant?
No. Accepting or reviewing a rental application does not create a tenancy or obligate a landlord to rent the unit to that applicant.
Can I charge a fee for a rental application in Ontario?
In most cases, landlords cannot charge application fees. Ontario law limits what fees can be collected from tenants before a tenancy begins.
Can I run a credit check using Form 410?
Yes, but only with the applicant’s consent. Credit checks should be used consistently for all applicants and evaluated alongside other lawful screening criteria.
A Smarter Way to Screen Tenants in Central Ontario
Using Form 410 correctly can help landlords make informed decisions while staying compliant with Ontario law. However, tenant screening mistakes can be costly, especially in markets like Belleville, Cobourg, and Port Hope, where demand remains strong.
At Blue Anchor Property Management, we help landlords across Central Ontario handle rental applications, tenant screening, and ongoing compliance with confidence. If you want to reduce risk and place better tenants, reach out to our team to learn how professional property management can support your rental goals.
Additional Resources
Ontario’s Bill 60 — Cutting Through the Noise: What It Actually Means for Landlords & Tenants
