Beyond the Credit Score: The Marsik Strategy for Superior Tenant Screening
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
In the 2026 Montreal rental market, a credit score is only a small piece of the puzzle. With the recent implementation of Quebec’s Law 25, privacy regulations have become stricter than ever, and Bill 31 has shifted the power dynamics of lease transfers. Simply put: the stakes for choosing the right tenant have never been higher.
At Marsik Management, we don’t just "run a check." We use a multi-layered, legally compliant strategy designed to find reliable, long-term tenants while protecting you from the "professional tenants" who know how to exploit the system.
1. Compliance First: Navigating Law 25
Many DIY landlords in Montreal are unknowingly breaking the law by asking for too much information upfront. Under Law 25, you must have a "serious and legitimate reason" to collect personal data.
The Marsik Way: We use specialized, Law 25-compliant consent forms. We never collect Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) or health card data unless absolutely necessary and legally permitted, protecting you from heavy fines and privacy complaints.
Data Security: We ensure all applicant data is encrypted and destroyed according to provincial retention laws once the purpose is served.
2. The "Contextual" Credit Analysis
A score of 700 doesn't always mean a good tenant, and a 620 doesn't always mean a bad one.
The Marsik Way: We look for patterns, not just numbers. Is there a history of late payments? Are there active collections from utilities or previous landlords? We look for financial stability, not just a snapshot of credit usage.
Alternative Proof: For international investors or newcomers to Montreal who lack a Canadian credit history, we utilize alternative verification methods like bank statement analysis and international employment letters to secure high-quality tenants that others might overlook.
3. The "Deep Dive" Reference Check
In a world of fake references, "calling the previous landlord" isn't enough.
The Marsik Way: We perform a chain of residency check. We don't just call the current landlord (who might be incentivized to say anything to get a bad tenant to leave); we go back to the previous one.
The TAL Audit: We cross-reference applicants with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) public records to check for a history of non-payment or disruptive behavior cases.
4. Screening for "Lease Transfer" Risks
With Bill 31 now in full effect, landlords have more power to refuse lease transfers, but the initial screening is your first line of defense.
The Strategy: We screen for "long-term intent." We look for tenants whose lifestyle and employment history align with the property's character—whether it’s a quiet professional for an Old Montreal loft or a stable family for a Rosemont "plex."
5. The Personal Interview (The Boutique Touch)
Automation is great, but it misses the "human factor."
The Strategy: Every Marsik-approved tenant undergoes a personalized interview. We look for transparency, communication style, and respect for the property. This "boutique" oversight is why our vacancy and eviction rates remain among the lowest in the city.
Peace of Mind Starts with the Right Tenant
A bad tenant can cost you a year's worth of ROI in legal fees and repairs. Why take the risk? By leveraging Marsik’s 2026 screening protocols, you aren't just filling a unit—you are securing your investment.
Ready for a higher standard of tenant placement?
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