How to Find the Ideal Renter in London, Ontario (Without the Headaches)
Placing the right resident is the single biggest driver of your rental’s performance. At Harrison Carter Group, we combine proven screening practices with London-specific market knowledge to help landlords secure reliable, respectful tenants—and keep them.
Below is our practical framework you can use today (and the extra tools we bring to the table if you’d like a hands-off experience).
1) Start with smart positioning (price, presentation, timing)
- Price to the market, not the wish list. We analyze active comps, days on market, and seasonality (student cycles, medical rotations, corporate relocations) to set a rent that attracts strong candidates quickly.
- Prep for photos & tours. Fresh bulbs, tidy landscaping, touch-up paint, and a quick deep clean lift perceived value and shorten vacancy.
- Launch window matters. Mid-week morning posts often outperform late-night weekend drops; we schedule campaigns to catch peak browsing times.
2) Pre-qualify before showings
- Short pre-screen questions (move-in date, occupants, pets, parking, budget) filter for fit and reduce no-shows.
- Clear house rules/condo bylaws up front avoids surprises (e.g., smoking policies, pet size limits, parking availability).
3) Run a consistent, compliant application process
- Every adult applies. Uniform criteria applied to all applicants keeps things fair and defensible.
- What we verify:
- Credit profile & payment history
- Income proof (letters and/or recent pay stubs)
- Rental history with current/previous landlord references
- Government photo ID (name/address cross-checks)
- Human Rights Code & RTA aware. We never screen on prohibited grounds; we focus on income stability, rental history, and ability to meet lease terms.
4) Look beyond the numbers (but document everything)
- Story fit: move-in date vs. your readiness, term length, clutter-free showings, responsiveness.
- Reference quality: specific answers from employers/landlords carry more weight than generic “yes/no.”
- Paper trail: keep notes and the same checklist for every file.
5) Use a rock-solid lease & move-in protocol
- Ontario Standard Lease plus custom schedules (parking, key sets, condo rules).
- First & last month’s rent on approval, not “hold” verbal promises.
- Proof of tenant insurance (contents & liability) before key handover.
- Move-in condition report with photos ensures a clear baseline.
6) Set tenants up for success
- Welcome email with utilities setup, portal access, and maintenance instructions.
- How to reach us for urgent issues (clear after-hours process reduces damage and stress).
- Preventive checks (smoke/CO, filter changes, gutter clean-ups where applicable).
What sets Harrison Carter Group apart
- Local market analytics: real-time read on pricing and velocity across London neighbourhoods (Hyde Park, Sunningdale, Masonville, Byron, Old South, Komoka/Kilworth, etc.).
- Premium marketing: professional copy, photo strategy, and multi-channel distribution (website, major portals, social) to reach the right renters fast.
- Thorough screening, every time: credit, income, ID, and landlord checks—documented and consistent.
- Compliance first: Ontario RTA processes, entry notices, and file documentation that protect you and your asset.
- End-to-end management (optional): showings, lease prep, move-ins, rent collection, trusted trades, inspections, and monthly statements—so you can be as hands-off as you like.
Ready to avoid problem tenancies—and find the right fit?
Whether you want a one-time tenant placement or full property management, we’ll tailor a plan to your goals and timeline, then handle the details so you don’t have to.
Harrison Carter Group — London’s Executive Rental Specialists
📞 519-473-8300 | 📧 info@harrisoncartergroup.com
#LoveWhereYouLive — and love who lives in your property.
