This is part of a landlords tenant screening process to ensure that the applicant is financially fit to rent. If your landlord requires a background check, we can help you quickly and affordably obtain one. 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. Many landlords will ask you to complete an application form before they will rent an apartment or house to you. Can I require that? Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state's laws and what's written in your lease or rental agreement. The rent is normal for the area. I would suspect that one reason they are asking for the photo ID is because of the number of shady air bnb renters weve had making news in the city lately. What can a landlord ask for on a rental application in Ontario? An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. If, for example, the landlord requests a credit score based on the tenants behalf, this information must be made available to the tenant if requested. 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. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have provincial private sector laws that apply to landlords in those provinces. Your email address will not be published. Pro tip: use your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and organize your references. Technically, collecting information in this fashion falls under The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and should be done with care. In either case, you must give a renter written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect. The blog posts on this website are for the purpose of general introductory information. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Join the Financial Literacy Train. Can landlords ask for Sin Number Ontario? how many people will be living with you. How to Add a Tenant to an Existing Rental Lease. Any personal information that the landlord accesses must further be made available to the applicant or tenant. The time of entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. 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 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. Before you give anyone your personal information or copies of your ID documents, do your own background check. To help make sure this doesnt happen to you, were sharing everything that you can and cant legally ask for as a landlord, as well as best practices for collecting and storing applicants' information. Pro tip: liv.rent has more pet-friendly rentals than any other listings platform. Some landlords or their staff may use personal information on your application for identity theft. If the landlord insists, you could suggest that they contact the OPC. Whats in it for us? Looking for a credit card? But thats only for buildings built before November 15, 2018. Some landlords may also ask for your drivers license, passport, employer, income and expenses on a rental application. This information should only be used for completing the application process to verify income or perform a credit check. Consent of a credit check. Freelance writer specializing in personal finance and travel content, Cost of Living for International Students, condominium, an apartment, a house, or another type of dwelling, file a Human Rights Complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Canada, 20 Computer Desks for Canadian Consumers: A Buyers Guide, Navigating the Canadian Loan Landscape: A Guide to Borrowing Money in 2023. AscendingDescending, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. photographs and video recordings about an identifiable individual. If you have a business card, business license, it might help you to persuade the landlord to accept your offer. like the job letter, you most likely need to prepare it for all of the applicants. Maybe it's their way of weeding out people who are not serious? Search houses, rooms, condos and apartments for rent in Toronto. Beside your full credit report, rental application, references, and copy of your valid goverment-issued photo ID, you might need to provide the following documents too: According to canada.ca explenation Your notice of assessment (NOA) isan evaluation of your tax return that the Canada Revenue Agency sends you every year after you file your tax return.. Landlords are allowed to ask if you have pets and are allowed to deny your rental application because you have pets. if you work, and where you work. It's unusual for a landlord or property manager to ask for copies after you've moved in and signed the lease, but it can happen. If you are asked for your SIN, you can ask why the landlord needs it, how it will be used and to whom it will be given. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. To learn more about our solutions, call us at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca. if you smoke. Most of the time you need a recent one. 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. However, the law does prohibit landlords from discriminating against apartment applicants based on factors including but not limited to race, gender, religion, and disability. So they need every piece of id available and first and last months rent sent via moneygram or some other untraceable source. 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. Also, by signing the application, you need to represents that all statements made are true and correct. 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. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone Ontario? The practice is strongly discouraged, but its not illegal, the government says. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner. Get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we participate. All you can eat crepes . Dine in only, [Amazon.ca] Also, I wouldnt be providing any of this without VIEWING THE RENTAL in person and wanting to put in an application. 6. Any information regarding your marital status, family status, or sexual orientation, Your race, ethnic background, or religion. They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. 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. This website contains ads and affiliate links and we may receive compensation when you click any of these links. What documents can a landlord ask for in California? 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. Can a tenant refuse entry to landlord Ontario during Covid? Part 1: Whats A Standard Rental Application? Typically, if you are renting a property in the UK you will be asked to provide the estate agency or landlord with proof of your income from employment such as a few months worth of payslips or bank statements where your salary is paid. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. With that being said, section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act states that a landlord cannot prohibit the presence of pets within a dwelling. He lives in Durham NC with his awesome wife and two wonderful dogs. He said if I am too busy in August traveling and stuff and can't come in 3 weeks, I can wait and give all those things like copies when I move in september 1st. 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. This helps them verify that you actually have a bank account and youre able to cover the rent. Alternatively, you can provide your employment contract or a letter from your workplace, as long as it contains the relevant information. Find the best mortgage rates and see whats available on the market now. Therefore, a landlord may not ask whether you are on public assistance during or after the application process. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. Apply to multiple listings. Lets look at the standard rental application process in Canada and go over some things that your landlord can and cannot legally ask you. It's is needed to run credit and background checks. Send landlord a picture of Mister Bean's passports. Within this code, tenants or potential tenants may not be discriminated against based on their receipt of public assistance. They've asked for a picture too, but that doesn't help much. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. We may alter brand placements on our website to amplify our partners and their offers. principles of language teaching ppt; best hvac systems 2020 consumer reports Why do rental applications ask for bank info? Can a landlord require renters insurance in Ontario? Tesla Model Y - $15K off / Model 3 - $5K off + $5K Federal Rebate, [Apple] An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? This time one is asking for me to photocopy all my ID. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . For residential units occupied for the first time after November 15, 2018, you can raise rent more than what is allowed by rent control. contact us No, landlords cannot see how much money is in your bank account. If you dont want pets living in your rental Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022. 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. Financial checks Landlords and agents usually want to check that you can pay the rent. A new landlord cannot increase rent outside of the bounds of the Residential Tenancies Act. This is most commonly three to six of your most recent payslips from work. If you dont get a good answer, you can refuse. Toronto certainly isn't known for having the cheapest rent in Canada. There may also be individual Human Rights Tribunals based on which province you are located in. What a Landlord cannot ask for: Landlords are able to ask a variety of questions that relate to your tenancy. There are different agencies that you may apply for your credit reports, such as Equifax and Transunion. References, credit checks, employment verificationthe list goes on. Its perfectly normal for a landlord or property manager to ask for your bank account number on a rental application. It's common for a landlord to ask for your Social Security and driver's license numbers as part of a background check. In other words, a landlord cannot refuse your pets in Ontario. 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. So there you have it - a clear answer to the question of whether a landlord can ask for your driver's license (they can) along with helpful tips on how to navigate the request when you don't have one and a . His website is frasersherman.com. Chat instantly with verified landlords. [Read Full Bio], Your email address will not be published. disclosure of tenant information to third parties. Can you clarify what you mean by the damage deposit being illegal? However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. Reference letter from your Employer or University. Reference letter from a previous Landlord or Letting Agent. What is the cheapest and safest country to retire? 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. Can a landlord ask for 3 months rent in advance in Ontario? For example, if they are asking to see your driver's 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. Of course, as humans in Canada, we all have our own fundamental human rights. It's not uncommon to ask for 2-3 months rent as a safety thing. So, for example, a landlord could refuse you an apartment because they feel like your income isnt sufficient enough to afford the rent. Read more about your legal rights as landlord for renters with pets. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. The landlord must identify the purpose prior to, or at the time of, collection, and also obtain your consent. Examples of questions you cannot ask include: Do you smoke? The Act also states that anything in a lease that violates the Act is void. What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Property in London if I am Self-Employed? Is asking for photocopies of all my ID a normal procedure? permission to do a credit check. Your email address will not be published. Those provincial authorities have developed guidance on how their own privacy laws apply to landlord-tenant issues: Under PIPEDA, personal information includes any factual or subjective information, recorded or not, about an identifiable individual. Just signing, agreeing, and the money. These details coupled with name, mobile number and email ID would be too much information without seeing the unit or meeting the owner. 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 Code says what landlords can ask when choosing tenants: Rental history, credit references and/or credit checks may be requested. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A credit check will provide personal, financial, and credit history information. Questions a landlord can ask . 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. 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 names of people who will be living with you. PIPEDA sets out the ground rules for how businesses, including landlords, must handle personal information in the course of commercial activity. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As a renter, what is the most frustrating part of renting? Yes, landlords will call a tenants references (previous landlords) to verify rental history as part of their tenant screening process. Gas safety. How to protect yourself from rental scams in Canada? 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. Also, ask where a "regular guest" was defined in the lease so that you can better understand her response. Pro tip: In Canada, you are protected by Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act(PIPEDA) and its important to know a bit about this protection yourself. Rental Tip: Documenting condition to avoid disputes. Can we ask the landlord for a copy of their driver's license and proof of ownership? The landlord must also make a reasonable effort to ensure that you understand how the information will be used or disclosed. Instead, a landlord can ask for last month's deposit. Get the latest financial information delivered right to your inbox. Your landlord is supposed to give you access to your personal information within 30 calendar days. To determine that you have been in good standing with previous landlords, a new landlord may request a references to ensure there is no history of late or unpaid rental payments, damages to previous properties in your name, or other important circumstances to consider relating to your tenant record. Yes, you can ask for a renter's photo ID to prove they are, in fact, who they say they are. They may also use your bank account to extract missing rent payments. Generally, landlords cannot take photos of you or your personal . that I must register my guests, show copy of id etc. You don't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life. Its useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID BC? ReloRealEstateGroup.com - Your turn-key relocation resource! Your Social Insurance Number is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes. In other areas, such as BC (British Columbia), landlords may request . Under PIPEDA, you have a general right to access your own personal information held by a landlord. A rental application is something that you fill out when applying for a rental property. Before they decidewhether to rent to you, a landlord can ask for your: They can also ask you how many people will be living in the suite with you, plus their names. Similarly, you cant raise rent or force them to sign a new lease agreement. Your employment history. 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. So while a tenant can technically turn away an applicant for having a pet, they legally arent supposed to. That seems reasonable to me. 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. Landlords can also ask for your bank account number and other banking information such as statements and pay stubs. For information on renting in Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions. Under the law, organizations cannot require you to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information unless it is required for a specific and legitimate purpose. 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. However, in Ontario, no pets clauses in leases are void and not enforceable according to the Residential Tenancies Act. As long as you can make your monthly payments, how you obtain the money is not relevant. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 2: What do you need when applying for a rental? There's bad land lords, but there's even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to protect themselves. What's the issue unless you have something to hide? Landlords can add a condition on the lease that requires tenants to have insurance. Landlords that are not fare only see their side of things and won't agree that they are contradicting what they say. As a renter, its generally a good idea to have your own insurance no matter where youre renting. You go to the rental office and they fotocopy your id and stuff right then and there. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. What credit score do I need to rent a flat? Not on liv.rent yet? When looking for an apartment in Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you. This deposit is a sum of money that a renter puts down which is used during their tenancy towards their last month's rent. Avid researcher, freelance writer, and personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy. To be honest I would skip out on this one, the red flags are waving. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. 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. My last one didn't ask any more than that I show him my passport and other ID and he write down the numbers and the first one didn't ask for anything at all. Is that the way it is supposed to be? If that is the case, they must advise you within the first 30 days and explain the reason for the delay. Can landlord ask for proof of income Ontario? Plus, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories. They are not, however, allowed to deny you the unit because you have small children. Should you send bank statements to landlord? If you don't get a good answer, you can refuse. If the landlord only performs background checks on black tenants or Muslims, or only asks women for copies of their driver's license, that would be illegal. Are you looking to rent/lease a place in Toronto or a city in Ontario? You can, however, refuse to hand over confidential information. However, your landlord must provide 24 hours' notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations. (i.e., that you aren't committing identify theft.). In Ontario a secruity amount is illegal. What do you need to get an apartment in Ontario? Most landlords and referencing agencies require tenants to provide bank statements as proof of income and rent payments. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a credit check. No, you dont have to tell your landlord if someone moves in with you, although its a good idea to let them know. Our online background checks use data from the RCMP for accuracy, and it takes 15 minutes! Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for. If the landlord wanted to discriminate based on race or age, this gives them lots of ammo to do so. If youre an employee, there are several documents you can provide to prove your income and employment. What documents can a landlord ask for in Ontario? Proof of current address a recent utility or council tax bill. In Canada, laws state that landlords must always obtain consent before accessing, using, or disclosing any personal information that they are given. Your landlord must: give you 24 hours written notice. Keeping a photo of a persons ID, for example, is subject to the law as it is considered collection of personal information. I should be able to enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without problem about dates. In fact, before the market changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto, They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but in Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto, there is such a thing as free, Torontonians have known for a while now that their fair city costs a pretty penny to call home. A credit check will give the prospective landlord information about your ability to pay the rent. Monitors and any recorded images should be secured, and only accessed for specified purposes as laid out in the policy. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. 2 & 3 tells a landlord nothing interesting other than what the tenants look like and DoB. In Canada, we all have human rights. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For details about other laws that apply to rental issues, please see Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations Renting in Canada information. a Job letter or an Employment Verification Letter is aletter that shows the employees name, job position, tenure, and income. Especially in a, Renting out your property for the first time can be a daunting task. They can reveal a lot about how you live your life. To meet their obligations under PIPEDA, landlords should post signs and distribute policies that clearly explain, for example, how footage will be used and when it will be accessed. If you can't afford the rent or disappear when it comes due, your landlord loses out. No. The landlord gets the documents. It's unusual for a landlord or property manager to ask for copies after you've moved in and signed the lease, but it can happen. They may also request your social insurance number. One exception is in condos where any strata rules banning pets are upheld. 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. They are also governed by provincial and federal privacy laws. 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. 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. After all, you may need a reference from them in the future. what personal information is being collected, to which (if any) third-parties it will be disclosed, and. If they want that, tell them you don't think that's correct for them to ask and see what they say. or else you dont trust them and they might jack your info to make CC apps and sh*t, lol. , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). If you are self-employed, thats great. In Ontario, under the Ontario landlord-tenant laws, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants a security deposit. Can I Buy Houses Then Rent Them Out Without a Real Estate License? Sometimes you may be required to show six months. Landlords cannot ask you personal questions that interfere with your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Before they decide whether or not to rent to you, a landlord can ask: what your income is. Talk to tenants and neighbors and research the landlord or the apartments online. 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. (i.e., that you aren't committing identify theft.) Other things in 1 (like age) are also big red flags for me. Is a landlord normally supposed to ask for photocopies of all my pieces of ID? I would ask for ID as a land lord. I mean, is landlord legal to ask me for my ID COPY They can take a quick look, or they also legal to keep my ID COPY Lawyer: Debra I am sorry. Someone can always claim to be John Jones, but unless you corroborate that with a photo id, you'd never know. Can landlord ask for bank statements Ontario? You need to fill the rental application with the tenants information, such as tenants names, last places of residence. The landlord may ask for a copy of that. This information is often requested to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments of the rental property. Section 10 of the Residential Tenancies Act states that all landlords must comply with the Human Rights Code. To clarify, a landlord can ask for your SIN when completing an application to rent a property or negotiating a lease with a landlord, according to the Government of Canadas website. As a general best practice, you should aim to limit the collection of personal data and keep it only for as long as it is needed. What is a landlord allowed to ask for on a rental application? Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? 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. Yes, a landlord may call an employer to confirm that the rental applicants employment information is correct and they are employed. I'm renting a in-law unit in a single-family home, which my . Sign up for free or download the app. Landlords can ask for income information, credit checks, credit references and rental history. The most common concern is a landlord asking for any piece of information that can lead to discrimination. references from past landlords. 03:06. Some organizations ask for the SIN for reasons unrelated to income reporting purposes. The purpose of the landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check on you. +91-9879950702 Monday - Friday 10:00 - 7:30 Rakhiyal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat . Since the driver's license is a valid photo identification, it can familiarize the personnel with the building's occupants. Note: Ontario has a rent freeze in place for 2021. Electrical safety. 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. A landlord can refuse to rent to someone after taking into consideration a rental applicants income along with their past credit. All of that is fine (goes to identity verification) except for age & pets. No, she did not tell me the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo id. Do not send a copy of passport/ID. [Updated August 2022] Must-Have Checklists For First-Time Landlords. Is it standard for owner to ask for a copy of passport/ID before showing the unit? That is your option. Yes, you can ask for bank statements to prove the financial situation of a renter. Full-time employees will be required to provide payslips from their current employer. So, its up to the tenant to agree to that condition. 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. If they are just naive landlords, they'll likely just stop asking for it. 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. Even though asking them a question directly may seem less intrusive, you still need to keep topics within the bounds of whats outlined by the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the RTA. Join us and subscribe to get updates on the Toronto rental market. They cant serve as an opinion or professional advice. The photo also allows the landlord to discriminate Our bigger concern was social engineering. Canada Buzz is a purely informational blog. Don't have an account? 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. Looking for the right auto insurance plan? No the landlord is not legally required to provide you copy of their ID. by | May 26, 2022 | make spongebob say anything | victoria police inspector salary | May 26, 2022 | make spongebob say anything | victoria police inspector salary If an applicants personal information isnt collected or shared the right way, or their privacy is breached, you as a property owner can be held liable. This means that there are laws surrounding what a landlord can and cannot ask you. In Ontario, residential landlord premiums average around $900/year for a house and $400/year for a condo/apartment. IDs would include DoB, mother's name, father's name etc. Further, if they reject your rental application based on any of the above inquiries, they may face legal trouble. With that being said though, they ca. ID isnt necessarily strange, but they shouldnt be specifically asking for a passport. Yes, you can require renters insurance as long as there is a condition in your lease that states as such. Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. Landlords and property managers have a lawful purpose to collect information about a rental property when they carry out a property inspection. It's not written on lease. >> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports, Sarah Anderson is a Creative Content Writer at liv.rent who shares the latest updates and news with the safe and trusted community of landlords and tenants at liv.rent. But you arent required to provide it. can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario. In your application, you will be requested to share certain information with the landlord. Yes, you can request a credit check to see a renters history of making payments and gauge their financial reliability as a renter. Never use the photo ID to discriminate against an applicant. Speak to a professional before making decisions related to your circumstances. PIPEDA only allows organizations to deny access to personal information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by solicitor-client privilege. A landlord can ask you about your income, but they must also look at any available information on your rental history, credit references and credit rating (such as through Equifax Canada). The landlord-tenant relationship can involve the collection, use and disclosure of significant amounts of personal information. 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. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. Your landlord can also receive a credit check if you provide your full name and birthday. The law requires that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. What rental expenses are tax deductible for Canadian landlords? If you have a question, concerns about your privacy or want to file a complaint against an organization, we are here to help. One area of typical concern is tenant privacy rights. Landlords should get consent for obtaining and providing reference and/or background checks. In fact, Canadas Privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks. Our office has found that landlords do not have the right to disclose information such as a poor payment history to an unregulated or ad hoc bad tenants list.. For more information regarding the Ontario Human Rights Code, see ohrc.on.ca. Proof of identity a driving licence or passport. 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. That should make me frown more than anything. For more information, see our resources on privacy and Social Insurance Numbers. 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. Can a landlord ask what you do for a living? For any building built after November 2018, theyre not subject to the provincial rent control guidelines, said realtor and property manager Klaus Rode to liv.rent for our Ask An Expert series. Any time you click to our partner websites or register for a product or services through an affiliate link on our website, we may earn a commission at ZERO cost to you. Reasonable to ask for ID, if you have actually met the person. (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). Your current employment situation. You need to make the request in writing. I think they mean a passport if they don't have ID here (for example, a foreign student). Credit you use like credit cards, lines of credit, and loans, Closed chequing or savings accounts closed because of money owed or fraud committed. They don't have a right to keep a copy of your ID. Sign up now. This law is current as of 2021. In this article, were going to go over the most popular questions that renters (including first-time renters) have about the rental process. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. Bank statements are very private. Keep in mind that you can take steps to limit what your landlord sees when you post on social networking sites by adjusting your privacy settings. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html. 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. There had been quite a bit of fraud been going around where people were defrauding people. Though this is a very touchy subject in Canada, yes, landlords can ask if you have pets. 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. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 4: How Do I Fill Out A Rental Application? In these cases, you are under no obligation to provide your SIN. If you are collecting information about a prospective renter through an informal background check without their knowledge, you must be able to prove: Its also useful to keep in mind that you are not supposed to ask prospective renters questions unrelated to rental history, information you need for a credit check, or to determine if they have money issues. Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. 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. Pro tip: Use a trusted rental platform like liv.rent with verified landlords and listings to protect yourself from scams. Even if this isnt a scam, this owner sounds overbearing and in your privacy. However, if a landlord and tenant decide on a mode of payment, you can not alter this agreement until both parties agree. And for those who want to find, Welcome to "Ask An Expert" where liv.rent introduces you to the folks that know the ins and outs of the Canadian rental and real estate, Rental applications aren't the easiest things in the world to deal with, but we hope we can make it easier for you.Wereliv.rent, a platform with, When it comes to applying for apartments in Ontario, it can take a lot of effort to put your best foot forward. To date, there are no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise. Find the card that fits your needs with our handy comparison tool. Not only can a landlord ask for photo identification, they should. If you have nothing to hide I'm not sure what the big deal is since there's not much that can be done with just a copy. These questions include: Age - Landlords cannot inquire as to how old you are and are unable to refuse to rent to you on these grounds. Your email address will not be published. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 1: What's A Standard Rental Application? For users logging in via Facebook. A Complete Neighbourhood Guide for Moving to Thornhill. One of the ways we get rewarded is via ads and affiliates. Product News and Recommendations Senior Editor. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. Your email address will not be published. You can ask questions about why certain documents are being requested, and, if necessary, suggest alternatives which could achieve the same goal. There are some very specific circumstances under which the organization may require an extension of up to 30 additional days. Access to your Banking records if you have Open Banking. Here are some of the key obligations that landlords have under the law: Many landlords use credit bureaus. 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. A credit report has a credit score which could be a number from 300(very poor) to 900(Excellent). tenant concerns about over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information. What do you need when applying for a rental property? Can my landlord ask me for a copy of drivers license Ontario? Cameras should not capture the inside of apartments. Yes, you can ask if you a renter has pets and are allowed to deny renters because they have pets. 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. What Information Is A Landlord Allowed to Ask For? This law is current as of 2021. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? One of the first steps is to prepare the following documents that most of the Landlords or their real estate agents are looking for. Preparing these documents before applying for a place bring you peace of mind and you are more likely to get the place. $81.80-97.32 Round Trip Fare! Lol sorry just saw so many scams looking for an apartment recently. Ask Your Own Canada Law Question You misunderstand my third question. These are what you fill out if you want to be considered to rent a specific property, be it a condominium, an apartment, a house, or another type of dwelling. It is fraudulent. Yes, for residential units occupied before November 15, 2018, you can raise rent in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. sheffield knives england; order new bins hume council No, landlords cant ask for your credit card number. I think it is weird. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. 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. 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. 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. Save your chat history & signed documents all in one platform. [Tesla] "It is illegal for a landlord to demand or to collect a rent deposit of more than one month, or if it is less, then one rental period". Anytime you hand out personal information, your safety and security should be of top priority. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? In most states, landlords can include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a crime. If a landlord requests any information pertaining to the above mentioned topics, you should not answer. However, knowing your credit score before you start apartment-hunting can help you zero in on properties you may qualify to rent. 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. That's weird. So, just because you have a new landlord doesnt mean they can raise the rent. We also have some tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector. [Porter Airlines] The landlord may request information such as: Your name. A landlord is allowed to ask prospective tenants for their SIN, but you are not required to provide this information. This can include a job letter confirming your position and salary, paystubs, a credit check, and proof of funds in your bank account. 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. Some products and services that appear on this site are from companies from which Canadabuzz receives compensation. What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? Sometimes, rental application forms contain very sensitive questions, such as a bank account number, proof of income and more. I question her motives as I'm a respectable tenant. If you are applying for more than one adult, The landlord may want to see everyones job letter. A landlord may use this information to assist with credit checks, but there is different information that they can use if providing your SIN makes you uncomfortable. Allowed. I wouldn't send any of this until you have seen the apartment and meet the landlord in person. While this is not recommended, there is no law preventing private-sector organizations, including landlords, from asking for your SIN for other purposes such as identification (though they cannot require it). Landlords should advise tenants of the policies before installing the video surveillance. can a landlord ask for in Ontario: common questions answered, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, legal rights as landlord for renters with pets, What to do when a condo you are renting out in Ontario is damaged. SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC $24. No, you cant require to know if someone new moves in with an existing renter. if you work, and where you work. 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. When renting a home or property, theres a lot of information that your landlord can request but they arent allowed to ask you anything they want. Choosing a tenant is a big decision and requires due diligence. It is an extra one that some have tried to collect in case of damage. Your email address will not be published. Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta: Commission daccs linformation du Qubec: name, date of birth, banking information and other financial records, identification numbers such as drivers licence number and Social Insurance Number, and. Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. Toggle navigation. What Kind of Questions Can a Landlord Ask? Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market. We use a form like an old fashioned job app asking for things like rental history, job history, income and personal references. Other laws may apply to some situations. As mentioned only first and last months rent. [Cora] If a landlord asks you to provide a credit card number, it could be a red flag that they are a scammer. Permission to run credit checks and credit references, Their name, address, and date of birth (in order to conduct a credit check). 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. present and past employment. Understanding the T2201 Disability Tax Credit in Canada: Eligibility, Benefits, and How to Apply, Understanding the T1036 Form: A Guide for Canadian Taxpayers, Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Business in Ontario in 2023, The Small Business Deduction in Canada: Eligibility and Benefits. Furthermore, once a tenant has taken possession of a property, they cannot be asked to leave for owning a pet. Its equally important to know what you cant ask for on a rental application. Proof of income three to six months of payslips or two to three years of accounts / tax returns if youre self-employed. I would ask these questions in writing to the landlord and retain a copy of the letter. What are my legal rights as a landlord for renters with pets? 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. Read our Privacy policy and Terms and conditions of use to find out more about your privacy and rights when using the priv.gc.ca website or contacting the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Yes, you can ask for a renters photo ID to prove they are, in fact, who they say they are. Canada Buzz is a purely informational blog. 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. Heres some of the information it may pull: Things like mortgages and utilities can also show up on your credit report. Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? 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For bank info Canada law question you misunderstand my third question may want to check that you apply! Ca n't afford the rent including landlords, they legally arent supposed to ask a variety of that! Landlords on can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario privacy issues in the rental application or rental agreement pay the rent landlords that are not only! Have our own fundamental Human rights Code council no, you cant require to know if someone moves! Financial reliability as a tenant to an Existing rental lease 7:30 Rakhiyal, Ahmedabad Gujarat... Can make your monthly payments, how you live your life am Self-Employed have some tips landlords... And it takes effect ; notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations landlord need! I need to protect themselves feel the need can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario represents that all made... Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations tenant concerns about over-collection and inappropriate of! Manager to ask for on a rental application is something that you may qualify to rent to someone?... Credit bureaus partners and their offers applications ask for on a rental.! Are on public assistance during or after the application process to verify or...
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