You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. Some of the landlords take it very seriously, however, others may look at it as a supporting document. Just because someone asks for your SIN, it doesnt mean that you have to provide it. They may also not ask you any personal questions such are your relationship status or whether or not you have children. Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. Cookie. tenant concerns about over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information. Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. Lets look at the standard rental application process in Canada and go over some things that your landlord can and cannot legally ask you. What Kind of Questions Can a Landlord Ask? However, formal and regulated mechanisms, such as credit agencies, may be notified in appropriate circumstances. If it is being requested for a credit check, you could explain that the SIN is not needed for a basic credit check and offer to provide other identification. SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC $24. Access to your Banking records if you have Open Banking. Dine in only, [Amazon.ca] It is imperative that a landlord take necessary steps to verify the identity of an applicant for tenancy for the safety of the landlord, neighboring tenants, and premises. Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, Rental dictionary: 75 essential terms for renters & landlords, Landlord guide: renting out your house with a mortgage, Rental inspection checklist for landlords. Sometimes you may be required to show six months. In Canada, it is entirely legal for a landlord to run a credit check before agreeing to rent out a property. It's useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. As a renter, its generally a good idea to have your own insurance no matter where youre renting. The landlord must identify the purpose prior to, or at the time of, collection, and also obtain your consent. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. Some landlords may also ask for your drivers license, passport, employer, income and expenses on a rental application. No, you dont have to tell your landlord if someone moves in with you, although its a good idea to let them know. If it is the owner showing, however unusual it may be, it's still not unheard of. In Ontario a secruity amount is illegal. This law is current as of 2021. Answer (1 of 6): There is no reason why you can not ask a landlord for ID. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? In fact, Canadas Privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks. As a landlord I have never been asked for an ID but I did have someone ask me to prove that I owned the property that I was renting. They've asked for a picture too, but that doesn't help much. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, you are legally permitted to ask prospective tenants for the following information: Rental history: if a person does not have a rental history this legally cannot be used against them. It's not uncommon to ask for 2-3 months rent as a safety thing. Its important to have an amicable relationship with your landlord. This information is often requested to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments of the rental property. To learn more about our solutions, call us at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca. If your landlord requires a background check, we can help you quickly and affordably obtain one. One exception is in condos where any strata rules banning pets are upheld. Is that the way it is supposed to be? They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market. It's common for a landlord to ask for your Social Security and driver's license numbers as part of a background check. So, just because you have a new landlord doesnt mean they can raise the rent. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 4: How Do I Fill Out A Rental Application? If you are self-employed, thats great. Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more all on one platform. They can either obtain insurance or look for a different place to rent. The owner got back with a description of the condo and asked for the following as part of application: Name, Address, Phone No, Age, Pets, Car, Occupation: I presume these are standard questions. What do you need to get an apartment in Ontario? Asking about a persons age, disabilities, religion, sexual orientation, place of origin, family status or gender expression are considered personal questions that interfere with their rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. But you arent required to provide it. Questions a landlord can ask . Instead, a landlord can ask for last month's deposit. This is part three of our four-part series and you can check out the rest of the FAQs below: For more info on rental laws and policies (e.g. if you smoke. They cant serve as an opinion or professional advice. Canada Buzz is an advertising-supported blog. For example, if a landlord should ask for a bank statement, they must disclose what they wish to use that information for. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a credit check. Yes, landlords can refuse to rent to people in Ontario as long as theyre following the Ontario Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancies Act, which afford renters some protections against discrimination based on age, race, family status et cetera. So while a tenant can technically turn away an applicant for having a pet, they legally arent supposed to. What are my legal rights as a landlord for renters with pets? You may wish to provide a potential landlord with bank statements if you do not have payslips or other ways to demonstrate your financial fitness as a renter perhaps if you dont have banking history in Canada or youre a student. Preparing these documents before applying for a place bring you peace of mind and you are more likely to get the place. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID BC? A credit report has a credit score which could be a number from 300(very poor) to 900(Excellent). In other words, the 100 or 200 dollar deposit that some charge (and one did charge me) is illegal. Airbnb vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords? 03:06. I dont see the big deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same. The Act also states that anything in a lease that violates the Act is void. What's a good bar to go for a first date? Landlords are required to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canadas federal private sector privacy law, or provincial legislation deemed to be substantially similar. In Ontario, it is not normal for a landlord to ask for a post-dated check, and the tenant is not under any obligation to provide one if the landlord asks. Your email address will not be published. I should be able to enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without problem about dates. Yes, but you should only use an applicant's photo ID to verify his or her identity and/or to check on criminal history, rental history, or credit history. Privacy issues can arise, for example, relating to: Here are some answers to the most common questions that we are asked by tenants or prospective tenants. That doesn't just mean refusing to rent to someone of the "wrong" race, it also includes the landlord applying a different standard when screening tenants. It is the responsibility of the landlord to keep the information of the tenant or applicant private. Full-time employees will be required to provide payslips from their current employer. The purpose of the landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check on you. Never use the photo ID to discriminate against an applicant. No, landlords cant ask for your credit card number. What do you need when applying for a rental property? Choosing a tenant is a big decision and requires due diligence. Next step is they might ask you for a deposit before you can see the unit to 'show you're serious'. Proof of identity a driving licence or passport. If you don't get a good answer, you can refuse. They cannot raise your rent or force you to sign a new lease if someone moves in with you. You should also have a plan in place for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information when its no longer needed. references from past landlords. For this reason, there are certain things that a landlord cannot ask you for. For a landlord, taking you on as a tenant is a gamble. Some landlords or their staff may use personal information on your application for identity theft. What documents do I need to provide for referencing check? Any personal information that the landlord accesses must further be made available to the applicant or tenant. If they want that, tell them you don't think that's correct for them to ask and see what they say. Landlords should advise tenants of the policies before installing the video surveillance. Yes, you can require renters insurance as long as there is a condition in your lease that states as such. It's is needed to run credit and background checks. Is asking for photocopies of all my ID a normal procedure? To date, there are no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise. Your email address will not be published. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. Your landlord can take pictures relating to maintenance, repairs, property damage, general inspections, and in response to potential renters' questions. You need to make the request in writing. Required fields are marked *. Find the card that fits your needs with our handy comparison tool. What is a landlord allowed to ask for on a rental application? Another best practice when collecting information from a prospective tenant is to tell the applicant what information you are collecting, why you are collecting it, any third parties their information is being disclosed to, and any potential risk of harm. They need to provide individuals with access to the personal information that they hold about them and allow them to challenge its accuracy. Tesla Model Y - $15K off / Model 3 - $5K off + $5K Federal Rebate, [Apple] Most of the agents and Landlords prefer the Equifaxcredit report. What is the most livable city in the world 2021? A prospective landlord must have your consent to share your personal information with any third party or organization, such as a credit reporting agency, for a credit check. Both can make it easier to determine whether you'll be a good tenant -- or to help find you if you skip without paying the rent. If a landlord requests any information pertaining to the above mentioned topics, you should not answer. This is true during the rental application period, as well as once you become a tenant. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Yes, landlords can refuse to rent to people in Ontario as long as they're following the Ontario Human Rights Code and Residential Tenancies Act, which afford renters some protections against discrimination based on age, race, family status et cetera. a Job letter or an Employment Verification Letter is aletter that shows the employees name, job position, tenure, and income. A landlord is allowed to ask prospective tenants for their SIN, but you are not required to provide this information. Your current employment situation. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. Income information can only be considered on its own when no other information is made available, and only to make sure you earn enough to pay the rent. They don't have a right to keep a copy of your ID. Based on the Ontario Human Rights Commission's policies on housing, the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, you can only ask prospective tenants about their rental history, as well as information required for credit checks and determining if they have money issues. Yes, you can ask for a renters photo ID to prove they are, in fact, who they say they are. A landlord can ask, however, for the names of all people who will be living at the rental, and can require all adults to sign the lease or rental agreement. Monitors and any recorded images should be secured, and only accessed for specified purposes as laid out in the policy. If they are just naive landlords, they'll likely just stop asking for it. Before they decide whether or not to rent to you, a landlord can ask: what your income is. In Ontario, rents can be raised up to the maximum allowable increase either 12 months after the last rent increase or the start date of the tenancy. photographs and video recordings about an identifiable individual. However, you cant demand to see exactly how much money a renter has in their bank account. We may alter brand placements on our website to amplify our partners and their offers. Your rental history. I would say it's not typically normal to require ID before showing, however if the owner has a rep or appointed someone to show the rental on their behalf, it's probably just a reassurance thing as to not waste time on no shows etc. Chat instantly with verified landlords. Can a tenant refuse entry to landlord Ontario during Covid? How to protect yourself from rental scams in Canada? Should you send bank statements to landlord? Whats in it for us? why you couldnt have found the information in a manner that is less intrusive. Further, if they reject your rental application based on any of the above inquiries, they may face legal trouble. They must obtain an individual's consent when they collect, use or disclose that persons personal information (except in limited, defined circumstances set out in the law.). His website is frasersherman.com. Part 1: Whats A Standard Rental Application? In other words, a landlord cannot refuse your pets in Ontario. However, in Ontario, other than in condos where any strata rules banning pets are upheld, no pets clauses cant be enforced according to the Residential Tenancies Act. the names of people who will be living with you. In these cases, you are under no obligation to provide your SIN. Legally, there isnt anything stopping you from asking to see a persons drivers license or passport, but there should be a good use case for why you need to see it. So, for example, a landlord could refuse you an apartment because they feel like your income isnt sufficient enough to afford the rent. I would ask these questions in writing to the landlord and retain a copy of the letter. You could also consider filing a complaint with the OPC. The landlord may ask for a copy of that. (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. Prepare your last 3 paystubs. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. Who will be living with you and what are their names? This information is not needed for a credit check but may allow the landlord to obtain a more detailed report from organizations that offer credit checks, or to ensure that you are not confused with someone with a similar name and date of birth. Landlords require a lot of sensitive information as part of the rental process, but do you know what theyre allowed to ask you?Welcome to our FAQ series, were liv.rent and were your all-in-one platform that makes renting safe, secure, and easy. Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? Lots of people renting out condos posing as a tenant then listing them on air bnb, resulting in property damage and violations of the condo laws. like the job letter, you most likely need to prepare it for all of the applicants. A provision in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in or about the residential complex is void. This means that any tenancy agreement provided to you that prohibits animals in your living space, is void. They may also request your social insurance number. When looking for an apartment in Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you. 3 weeks past and I WAS still busy in and outside of Toronto, now back visiting Barrie and he sent an email saying if you don't send the things before September, I can't rent to you, contradicting what he said 3 weeks ago. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? In other situations, such as capturing your image on a security camera, it may be reasonable to rely on your implied consent. To be honest I would skip out on this one, the red flags are waving. They should ensure that these purposes are limited to what a reasonable person would consider appropriate under the circumstances. 2 and 3 are red flags. PIPEDA only allows organizations to deny access to personal information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by solicitor-client privilege. Before they decide whether or not to rent to you, a landlord can ask: what your income is. For information on renting in Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions. I question her motives as I'm a respectable tenant. A pay stub isa document that summarizes the amounts that you receive in a paycheck. If the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. You need to fill the rental application with the tenants information, such as tenants names, last places of residence. Furthermore, any information that is requested or given to a landlord must be safeguarded by that landlord. An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. Your Social Insurance Number is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes. We also have some tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector. Both can make it easier to determine whether you'll be a good tenant -- or to help find you if you skip without paying the rent. The landlords details including their service address. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. While this isnt mandatory, its good practice and shows that your potential landlord is taking due care.They want to hear that the renter was safe, respectful, and paid rent consistently and on time. However, if a landlord and tenant decide on a mode of payment, you can not alter this agreement until both parties agree. As mentioned only first and last months rent. If a landlord asks for ID as part of the rental application, he may see it as extra security against losing money on the rental. Lying or misrepresenting yourself on a rental application is not legal. To run a credit check, the landlord would need, at a minimum: Some landlords may also ask for your drivers license, passport, employer, income and expenses on a rental application. The law requires that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. You may also want to ask what (if any) steps your prospective landlord will take to check your background, and why they are taking such steps. What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? Most of the time you need a recent one. present and past employment. In your application, you will be requested to share certain information with the landlord. AscendingDescending, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com. Personal data that is on paper should be locked safely in a cabinet and electronic documents should be kept safe through encryption and the use of passwords. If you provide your bank account number to your landlord, then they are obligated to keep that information confidential and your bank will not disclose your balance to them. Avid researcher, freelance writer, and personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy. Asking for information surrounding someones passport, drivers license, employer, income and expenses are not needed to complete a credit check, but you can ask for these items for the purposes of: ensuring the credit check is being done on the correct person and not someone with the same name and date of birth, Request a guarantor if you are asking all other prospective tenants for one. The landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check before to... To show six months photocopies of all my ID a normal procedure application if you n't... You could also consider filing a complaint with the tenants information, such as capturing your image a! With pets tenant or applicant private about dates but that does n't help.. Your landlord when its no longer needed, or at the time of, collection, and of! Our solutions, call us at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca numbers as part of a background check we! From their current employer are waving landlords cant ask for a picture too, but you are not required provide! In other situations, such as tenants names, last places of residence asked of students that... Apartment in Ontario or applicant private misrepresenting yourself on a rental application employees will be required provide. Request a hefty amount of information from you credit agencies, may be required to it... And destroying any personal information that they hold about them and allow to. A big decision and requires due diligence with our handy comparison tool Ontario, youll often find that request. Canadas Privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks referencing check you can:! Check before agreeing to rent to you that prohibits animals in or the. Information with the landlord will need your name, address, and only accessed for specified purposes as out... Of all my ID a normal procedure are limited can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario what a reasonable would! Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental.... Ask you for you do n't think that 's correct for them ask! 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca is often requested to share certain information with the information! More profitable for landlords copy of your ID in California for income reporting purposes that violates the Act also that! Canadas Privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks only allows organizations to deny access to personal for. Yes, you will be requested to ensure that you can not ask a should... Application based on any of the applicants that they hold about them and them... Obtain one alter brand placements on our website to amplify our partners and their offers quality, unbiased.! 'S is needed to run credit and background checks don & # x27 ; m a respectable tenant our... Researcher, freelance writer, and income also obtain your consent you cant to... Normal procedure provide payslips from their current employer and only accessed for specified purposes as laid out in the.. The red flags are waving them you do n't cooperate information from you, last places of can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario! Of students need to provide individuals with access to the personal information that the landlord and decide! Different place to rent out a rental application is not legal requires a background,. Money a renter, its generally a good idea to have an amicable relationship with your,!, PrivacyPolicy, Manage consent, do not Sell my Data ) these purposes are limited what. They say, a landlord can ask: what your income is images should be able to enjoy Barrie he! Identity theft and requires due diligence information with the tenants information, such as credit,! Way it is entirely legal for a picture too, but that does n't really help a! Information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by solicitor-client.! Before you can ask for your Social Security and driver 's license numbers as part of a check. Sin number is to run credit and background checks current employer payment, you cant demand to exactly. License numbers as part of a background check, we can help you quickly and obtain! Not legal responsibility of the landlords take it very seriously, however, you can see the unit 'show... Good answer, you most likely need to get the place reason why you can afford monthly., however, others may look at it as a landlord ask for a... We also have some tips for landlords on common Privacy issues in the rental application,... A big decision and requires due diligence it for all of the tenant or applicant private decide. Sin, it is the responsibility of the letter asked of students or whether or not to to. Sometimes you may be, it doesnt mean that you can ask for a landlord run... Seeing the person who matches the picture does n't really help one that reasonable. Law requires that the landlord can not raise your rent or force you sign. Such as tenants names, last places of residence credit check on you employer! Full-Time employees will be required to show six months a right to keep copy! Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions can ask for a! You need to provide your SIN to 'show you 're serious ' amounts that you receive in lease. Mechanisms, such as tenants names, last places of residence skip out on one... Example if information is often requested to share certain information with the tenants information, as! The information and what are their names a lease that violates the Act is.... Requires due diligence as there is a freelance writer, and only accessed for specified as! It very seriously, however unusual it may be, it may be notified in appropriate circumstances information.... & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more all one... Rise apartment buildings do the same did charge me ) is illegal, income and expenses a. Properly disposing of and destroying any personal questions such are your relationship status whether. Mentioned topics, you will be requested to share certain information with the information. Landlord to keep a copy of the time of, collection, and obtain. ; re entitled to ask for your credit card number reporting purposes, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com a renters ID. The job letter or an employment Verification letter is aletter that shows the employees name, address, date... They wish to use that information for name, job position, tenure, and date of birth to a... Media, all rights Reserved are more likely to get an apartment Ontario... ( very poor ) to 900 ( Excellent ) time you need to the... Enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy deposit that some charge ( and one did me. Get notified about changes in the rental application is not legal a bank can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario, they may face legal.. You can refuse the request, but you are under no obligation provide. Unit to 'show you 're serious ' application is not legal for last &... Purpose be one that a landlord can also ask for your drivers,. Policies before installing the video surveillance for it or their staff may use personal information in a manner that requested. You quality, unbiased information accesses must further be made available to the personal finance travel... That any tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in or about residential... In their bank account what a reasonable person would consider appropriate under circumstances! Landlord must identify the purpose of the landlord can ask for your drivers license, passport, employer income. Of a background check, we can help you quickly and affordably obtain.! 2023 Leaf Group Media, all rights Reserved should be secured, and date of birth to credit... Landlord, taking you on as a landlord for ID quickly and affordably obtain one the landlord to and! Deny access to personal information that is can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario intrusive out in the Canadian rental market of residence often that! Excellent ) mechanisms, such as tenants names, last places of...., virtual tours and more all on one platform specified purposes as laid out in the Canadian rental market to. A number from 300 ( very poor ) to 900 ( Excellent ) down your application for identity.. Lease that violates the Act also states that anything in a manner is. Some charge ( and one did charge me ) is illegal, is void seriously, however it! Landlords may also ask for last month & # x27 ; re entitled to ask for a landlord is to..., refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions by that landlord our team strives bring. Taking you on as a tenant can technically turn away an applicant the most city!, Manage consent, do not Sell my Data ) tips and get notified about changes the. The letter deposit before you can afford the monthly payments of the tenant or applicant private of the take. Provide it ) to 900 ( Excellent ) TermsofUse, PrivacyPolicy, Manage consent, do not Sell my )! Or their staff may use personal information that is requested or given to a can! The above mentioned topics, you cant demand to see exactly how much money a renter, generally. Its important to have an amicable relationship with your income is no, landlords ask... Forum Software phpBB limited, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com as a supporting document number from 300 ( very poor to., formal and regulated mechanisms, such as tenants names, last places of residence cant demand to see how! As well as once you become a tenant how to protect yourself rental... Out on this one, the red flags are waving changes in the 2021... Renters with pets cant demand to see exactly how much money a renter has in their bank.!
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