Before applying for a licence with the HCRA, first-time applicants must meet several requirements. Understanding these requirements in advance can help applicants navigate the process smoothly and ensure they have everything they need before submitting their application.

Competency Requirement

First-time applicants must meet the competency requirement set out under s. 38 of the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017. This demonstrates that builders and vendors have the knowledge and skills to operate a business and construct new homes. Visit our page about the competency requirement to learn more.

Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Checks

In addition to meeting the competency requirement, first-time applicants must provide the results of a Criminal Record and Judicial Matter Check as part of their application. To complete this requirement, access the HCRA screening website here.

Please note: Do not use the myBackcheck self-serve option (myBackcheck’s general public website) as it does not meet HCRA requirements. Alternatively, applicants may submit a check completed by a municipal police service or the Ontario Provincial Police.

IMPORTANT: The HCRA will not accept Criminal Record and Judicial Matter checks that are more than six months old. If the third-party provider is not used, applicants must submit the original report, which must be stamped and signed for the application to be considered complete. Additionally, the HCRA will not accept Canadian Criminal Record Checks that do not include the Judicial Matters component.

If the applicant is a corporation or partnership, it is responsible for providing the results of a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check for each of its principals, directors, and offers, as applicable.

Having a criminal record does not automatically result in a refused application. The HCRA will assess various factors, including:

• The relevance of the conduct to licensing
• The time elapsed since the conduct occurred
• Whether the conduct reflects a pattern of behaviour
• Any steps taken to address or mitigate the impact of the conduct

Each case is reviewed individually, considering the specific circumstances surrounding the applicant’s record.

Credit Checks

All new applicants – as well as any new principals, officers, directors, and partners – are subject to a credit check performed by a third-party provider as a part of the application. The results of the credit check, including bankruptcies and past judgments, will be considered as part of the assessment of financial responsibility.

Interested Persons

As part of the application process, the HCRA will review information about individuals and corporations associated with your business. This includes ‘interested persons,’ who may not be the applicant or an officer of the company, but who nonetheless have influence or control over the operations of the applicant or licensee.

Note: there is a fee associated with this application. Visit this page to learn more.