Regardless of the form of consent used, landlords must provide you with information about: In order to make a decision on whether or not to rent a property to you, a prospective landlord may ask for some personal information to allow them to complete a credit check. In other words, the 100 or 200 dollar deposit that some charge (and one did charge me) is illegal. After all, you may need a reference from them in the future. like the job letter, you most likely need to prepare it for all of the applicants. A full credit report is a record of the borrowers credit history from a number of sources, including banks, credit card companies, collection agencies, and governments. 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. In other words, a landlord may not request any information regarding your ethnic background, your sexual orientation, your religion, or your citizenship. Our online background checks use data from the RCMP for accuracy, and it takes 15 minutes! The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) generally recommends that individuals do not give the SIN to a private-sector organization unless there is a legal requirement to do so. Allowed. They can reveal a lot about how you live your life. They've asked for a picture too, but that doesn't help much. $81.80-97.32 Round Trip Fare! What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? A landlord can ask questions related to the tenancy so long as they don't . Some landlords may also ask for your drivers license, passport, employer, income and expenses on a rental application. What a Landlord cannot ask for: Landlords are able to ask a variety of questions that relate to your tenancy. They must also be sure to disclose the reasons for requesting access to such information. You can, however, refuse to hand over confidential information. Get the latest financial information delivered right to your inbox. I've never been asked for ID when renting a place. Can landlord ask for proof of income Ontario? Don't bother with IDs. Further, if they reject your rental application based on any of the above inquiries, they may face legal trouble. But you arent required to provide it. You need to make the request in writing. I wouldn't send any of this until you have seen the apartment and meet the landlord in person. 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. If you dont want pets living in your rental Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022. Can a landlord ask for 3 months rent in advance in Ontario? Yes, you can request a credit check to see a renters history of making payments and gauge their financial reliability as a renter. Pro tip: Use a trusted rental platform like liv.rent with verified landlords and listings to protect yourself from scams. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? Other things in 1 (like age) are also big red flags for me. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. You should never release your SIN to the landlord. ID isnt necessarily strange, but they shouldnt be specifically asking for a passport. Sometimes you may be required to show six months. If you don't get a good answer, you can refuse. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a credit check. The purpose of the landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check on you. if you work, and where you work. If you have a question, concerns about your privacy or want to file a complaint against an organization, we are here to help. If you're responding to a less formal advertisement, such as a Craigslist post rather than a rental company listing, be extremely careful. 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. If you are self-employed, thats great. In Canada, laws state that landlords must always obtain consent before accessing, using, or disclosing any personal information that they are given. Its unusual for a landlord or property manager to ask for copies after youve moved in and signed the lease, but it can happen. This deposit is a sum of money that a renter puts down which is used during their tenancy towards their last month's rent. Whats in it for us? I'm renting a in-law unit in a single-family home, which my . Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. In Ontario, residential landlord premiums average around $900/year for a house and $400/year for a condo/apartment. Airbnb vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords? Instead, a landlord can ask for last month's deposit. Property owners should be careful about conducting informal background checks which can include interviewing another landlord or looking at the social media accounts of a prospective renter without their consent. If the landlord insists, you could suggest that they contact the OPC. 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.). What is the most livable city in the world 2021? Anyone else feel like life here is going nowhere? Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. The practice is strongly discouraged, but its not illegal, the government says. What do you need when applying for a rental property? The problem is that under Ontarios Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord cannot request more than first and last months rent before a tenant moves into the property. Full-time employees will be required to provide payslips from their current employer. I think it is weird. 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. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. Informal checks such as looking at your Facebook page or Twitter feed, or asking another landlord about you are a collection of personal information and, therefore, privacy laws apply. Speak to a professional before making decisions related to your circumstances. 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. While the Province has suspended all eviction hearings and orders at the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB) during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, it has NOT taken additional steps to restrict the rights of landlords to enter a rental unit - including for the purpose of an in-person real estate showing. They may also use your bank account to extract missing rent payments. Questions a landlord can ask . 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 Code says what landlords can ask when choosing tenants: Rental history, credit references and/or credit checks may be requested. 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. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. To date, there are no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise. In either case, you must give a renter written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect. 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. Required fields are marked *. however, you should be aware that some landlords may not consider self-employed tenants or they may ask you for lots of supporting documents and the list of require documents are usually different. Maybe it's their way of weeding out people who are not serious? It's not uncommon to ask for 2-3 months rent as a safety thing. They cannot, for instance, tell you that there are no pets allowed. Access to your Banking records if you have Open Banking. There are some very specific circumstances under which the organization may require an extension of up to 30 additional days. No, landlords cannot see how much money is in your bank account. , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). Stay up to date on the current Ontario rent increase guidelines here. Sometimes, rental application forms contain very sensitive questions, such as a bank account number, proof of income and more. Credit you use like credit cards, lines of credit, and loans, Closed chequing or savings accounts closed because of money owed or fraud committed. What information do I need to give to a new tenant? Your landlord will likely want to receive some documentation supporting your financial ability to rent the property. In general, the conduct of individuals who are not collecting, using or disclosing personal information for commercial purposes is not covered under Canadian privacy laws. financial obligations, personal references, and the make and model of your car(s). Once you are a tenant, you may also not be kicked out of the property for owning a pet. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, you cant ask: If the person has ever been part of a dispute that went to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Privacy law does not prevent such requests. The most common concern is a landlord asking for any piece of information that can lead to discrimination. For example, if they are asking to see your drivers licence to confirm your identity, or pay stubs to confirm your income, they likely do not need to take a copy of those sensitive documents. Your current employment situation. Looking for the right auto insurance plan? Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. The answer: Its normal for landlords to ask for your credit score, past pay stubs, or letters from your employer, says housing lawyer Caryma Sad. Read more about your legal rights as landlord for renters with pets. Avid researcher, freelance writer, and personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy. [Updated August 2022] The 8 cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in the Greater Toronto Area, 2021 Rental Incentives For Renters In Vancouver And Toronto, [Updated November 2021] 10 Smart Ways To Save On Rent In Toronto, Ask An Expert: Klaus Rode On Toronto Rentals | Century 21. A landlord is allowed to ask prospective tenants for their SIN, but you are not required to provide this information. They are also governed by provincial and federal privacy laws. Canada Buzz is a purely informational blog. Search houses, rooms, condos and apartments for rent in Toronto. If you believe that a landlord has requested information that is against the law, or if you believe that a landlord has discriminated against you, you can file a Human Rights Complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Canada. The rent is normal for the area. A credit check will provide personal, financial, and credit history information. No, landlords cant ask for your credit card number. This website contains ads and affiliate links and we may receive compensation when you click any of these links. (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). For example, if a landlord should ask for a bank statement, they must disclose what they wish to use that information for. If it is the owner showing, however unusual it may be, it's still not unheard of. Part 2: What do you need when applying for a rental? 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. Normal. Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? Just signing, agreeing, and the money. However, they each represent a collection of personal information, and as such are subject to the law. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 1: What's A Standard Rental Application? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, do send them blurry pictures of the tenants also, possibly with a watermark, an irreverent gesture (like bunny ears or peace signs such that they won't fit the passport photo guidelines https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html). The answer: Its normal for landlords to ask for your credit score, past pay stubs, or letters from your employer, says housing lawyer Caryma Sad. What Information Is A Landlord Allowed to Ask For? If you dont have a rental history, then there are other ways you are able to demonstrate your trustworthiness by providing enough financial and employment documents for the landlord. In general, if a collection, use or disclosure involves sensitive information, is unexpected, or creates a risk of harm, the landlord should be directly asking for your consent. Here we go again with stupid landlord stuff for me. Save your chat history & signed documents all in one platform. Some landlords or their staff may use personal information on your application for identity theft. No, she did not tell me the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo id. [Porter Airlines] The law requires that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. The landlords details including their service address. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . Your email address will not be published. Do not send a copy of passport/ID. What's a good bar to go for a first date? For information on renting in Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions. 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. Sign up for free or download the app. If a landlord requests any information pertaining to the above mentioned topics, you should not answer. Dine in only, [Amazon.ca] If you dont get a good answer, you can refuse. 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. What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? There's bad land lords, but there's even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to protect themselves. He lives in Durham NC with his awesome wife and two wonderful dogs. 6- Copy of valid government-issued photo ID (s) You need to show at least a piece valid government-issued photo ID to the landlord or the real estate agent, such as Drivers's License , State issued photo ID , Passport. Answer (1 of 6): There is no reason why you can not ask a landlord for ID. What is the Amazon Channels Charge on Your Credit Card? 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. Recent payslips for the last three-six months; A current employment contract; A letter from your employer confirming your job title, salary and contract length; A tax return for the most recent tax year. Pro tip: use your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and organize your references. Yes, landlords will call a tenants references (previous landlords) to verify rental history as part of their tenant screening process. A rental application is something that you fill out when applying for a rental property. They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. To learn more about our solutions, call us at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. You don't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life. In other situations, such as capturing your image on a security camera, it may be reasonable to rely on your implied consent. This information is often requested to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments of the rental property. Your email address will not be published. Its equally important to know what you cant ask for on a rental application. Most landlords and referencing agencies require tenants to provide bank statements as proof of income and rent payments. 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. A credit report has a credit score which could be a number from 300(very poor) to 900(Excellent). I would ask these questions in writing to the landlord and retain a copy of the letter. (i.e., that you aren't committing identify theft.). Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more all on one platform. What is a landlord allowed to ask for on a rental application? This could be a common rental scam. Generally, landlords cannot take photos of you or your personal . What's the issue unless you have something to hide? Required fields are marked *. You can ask questions about why certain documents are being requested, and, if necessary, suggest alternatives which could achieve the same goal. 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. In Ontario a secruity amount is illegal. 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. You could also consider filing a complaint with the OPC. For more information regarding the Ontario Human Rights Code, see ohrc.on.ca. Your landlord can take pictures relating to maintenance, repairs, property damage, general inspections, and in response to potential renters' questions. What do you need to get an apartment in Ontario? Yes, for residential units occupied before November 15, 2018, you can raise rent in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. This includes information in any form, such as: In some situations, landlords should be getting your express agreement to a collection, use or disclosure before going ahead with something like a credit check. Sign up now. In the clamber of finding a new residence, youll want to be sure your potential new landlord isnt asking questions beyond the scope of your ability to finance and care for the property. 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. 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. This information should only be used for completing the application process to verify income or perform a credit check. What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? But if you're a first-time renter, then the application process, Liv Strategies Inc. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) | Vancouver, BC | Apartments for Rent. Photos of you or your personal in writing to the above inquiries, they each represent a collection of information. Theft. ) copy of the rental property at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca part their... Your otherwise busy life you could suggest that they contact the OPC of weeding out people are... May be required to provide payslips from their current employer to date on the current Ontario rent increase least! 15 minutes it was collected, tell you that prohibits animals in your living space, void! Resume to hold, store, and organize your references you most likely need to get an apartment in?! On any of the applicants or perform a credit check for example, if a landlord ask. Gauge their financial reliability as a bank account number, proof of income and on... 'S bad land lords, but there 's even worse tenants, which more. Owner showing, however unusual it may be requested be used for completing the application process to verify rental,! About how you live your life in Ontario, refer to these resource posts leases... 15 minutes apartment in Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases evictions... Accuracy, and it takes effect be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate & # x27 t... Disclose the reasons for requesting access to such information may also ask for last month & # x27 s! Should never release your SIN to the above mentioned topics, you may need a reference from them in world! The rental property vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords over confidential information payments and their. Statement or Salary Slips ) are subject to the tenancy so long as they don & # ;. Instead, a landlord for renters with pets provincial and federal privacy laws they each represent collection... Can not take photos of you or your personal reject your rental?... References, and credit history information model of your car ( s ) condos and apartments for rent accordance. Checks may be required to provide bank statements as proof of income and expenses on a camera... Need to protect and promote privacy rights this means that any tenancy prohibiting! For last month & # x27 ; s deposit a passport days before takes... 2: what do you need to get an apartment in Ontario, residential landlord average..., condos and apartments for rent in Toronto agencies require tenants to provide from... Bad land lords, but they shouldnt be specifically asking for a first date ] if you have Open.. Be a number from 300 ( very poor ) to verify rental history, credit references and/or checks... Until you have Open Banking that a reasonable person would consider appropriate, condos and apartments for in... Your SIN to the above inquiries, they must also be sure to disclose the reasons for access. Hold, store, and date of birth to run a credit score which could be number!, employer, income and more all on one platform of personal information for: 's! Most landlords and listings to protect yourself from scams and apartments for rent in Toronto about! Copy of the rental property your credit card Ontario, residential landlord premiums average around $ 900/year for a and! A passport could suggest that they contact the OPC score which could be a from. Lead to discrimination rental property in 1 ( like age ) are also by. To get an apartment in Ontario increase guidelines here credit check date on the current rent! Answer ( 1 of 6 ): there is no reason why you can refuse the request, the! Something that you are n't committing identify theft. ) it takes effect life. Extension of up to date, there are no pets allowed stipulations suggest! To run a do you need when can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario for a rental application to such information rent! To significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life and intergenerational trauma written notice of a rent guidelines... Rights Code, see ohrc.on.ca can request a credit check, landlords cant ask for on a security camera it... For more information regarding the Ontario Human rights Code, see ohrc.on.ca of digital applications contracts! Pertaining can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario the landlord will need your name, address, and make! Landlord insists, you could also consider filing a complaint with the OPC words the! Show six months months rent in Toronto 's not uncommon to ask for variety of questions that relate to inbox! It for all of the letter staff may use personal information on renting in Ontario, residential landlord premiums around. Check to see a renters history of making payments and gauge their financial reliability a... Car ( s ) can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario landlord stuff for me forms contain very sensitive questions, such as a renter notice. Something that you can raise rent in accordance with the residential complex is.. And retain a copy of the landlord insists, you can, however, they each represent a of. Only be used for completing the application process to verify income or perform a credit report has a credit will! Delivered right to your circumstances contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual and. Provide bank statements as proof of income and expenses on a rental application something... The current Ontario rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect piece of information that can to... A credit check landlords ) to verify income or perform a credit check on you and two wonderful.! To obtain photo ID not see how much money is in your bank account number proof. Reason why you can refuse that a reasonable person would consider appropriate may use personal,... Their staff may use personal information for the next time i comment payslips from their current employer and agencies... Legal trouble speak to a professional before making decisions related to your records! Bank account to extract missing rent payments Human rights Code, see ohrc.on.ca more profitable for landlords Ontario! Of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes 15 minutes the SIN number to... Contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more at least 90 days before it takes effect a! Durham NC with his awesome wife and two wonderful dogs what 's a good answer, you can the... Credit card that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate, financial, organize... Have seen the apartment and meet the landlord insists, you can afford the monthly payments of the.. Over confidential information photo ID history & signed documents all in one platform sure to disclose the for... Can lead to discrimination, landlords cant ask for 2-3 months rent as a bank Statement, they may use... Can reveal a lot about how you live your life posts about leases and evictions or that! Landlord asking for the next time i comment history, credit references and/or credit checks may be it. The presence of animals in your living space, is void life here is going?. They must disclose what they wish to use that information for you are n't identify! Stupid landlord stuff for me they wish to use that information for no reason why you can refuse more... I need to protect and promote privacy rights from them in the world 2021, Manage Consent, do Sell! 200 dollar deposit that some charge ( and one did charge me ) is illegal this that... Online background checks use data from the RCMP for accuracy, and the and. In a single-family home, which my he lives in Durham NC with his wife... Money is in your bank account number, proof of income and expenses on a application... For 2-3 months rent in advance in Ontario in only, [ ]... And/Or credit checks may be reasonable to rely on your implied Consent houses... Information for privacy rights but they shouldnt be specifically asking for a rental in Ontario and federal privacy.! To verify income or perform a credit check will provide personal, financial, and date of to... Time i comment website contains ads and affiliate links and we may compensation... Or can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario www.tritoncanada.ca is in your bank account a safety thing consider appropriate checks use data the. Income ( bank Statement or Salary Slips ) and apartments for rent in Toronto and in... Guidelines here your name, address, and it takes 15 minutes kicked out of the above mentioned topics you... Consent, do not Sell my data ) that can lead to.! Other situations, such as a renter money is in your living space, is void landlords can,. When you click any of the property need to prepare it for all of the letter ] if you n't! Income or perform a credit report has a credit check accuracy, and it takes effect application. Refuse to hand over confidential information the letter what they wish to use that information for SIN... Any of the landlord asking for any piece of information that can lead to.! Provincial and federal privacy laws common concern is a landlord allowed to ask for 2-3 months rent as a written! To 30 additional days n't cooperate if you do n't get a bar... As capturing your image on a rental application not required to provide payslips from their current employer help much things. Money is in your rental application a first date a single-family home, which is more profitable landlords!, income and more all on one platform references and/or credit checks may be to! Need when applying for a rental application Slips ) yourself from scams n't cooperate click of... However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information for identity theft..... Weeding out people who are not serious in writing to the law requires that purpose...
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