You can sometimes become a real estate agent in Ontario with a criminal record, but RECO reviews each case individually under their "suitability" framework. There is no automatic disqualification or automatic approval — the answer depends on the offence type, recency, and your conduct since.
When you apply to RECO, you submit a vulnerable-sector criminal record check from your local police. RECO sees the same information you do. If your record is clear, your application proceeds normally.
If you have a record, your application goes through a suitability review. RECO weighs the offence type (property crimes and fraud are the most concerning for real estate); how long ago it occurred (5+ years generally helps); whether the offence is finalized (no outstanding charges); whether you have demonstrated rehabilitation; and whether you have a record of suspension (formerly pardon) under the Criminal Records Act.
Common outcomes: minor offences from 5+ years ago with no recent issues are usually approved, sometimes with conditions like supervised practice for the first year. Recent convictions, fraud-related convictions, or unresolved charges are typically denied. Hidden records discovered after registration result in immediate revocation and a 5-year ban.
Disclose proactively. RECO's suitability questions in the application require you to declare any record. Failing to declare is treated as more serious than the underlying offence in nearly every case.