Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? Pets is a weird one when it comes to condos. (i.e., that you aren't committing identify theft.). Don't bother with IDs. This helps them verify that you actually have a bank account and youre able to cover the rent. 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. Landlords who are given access to your personal information are required by law to follow specific guidelines for keeping that information secure. 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. 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. It's useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. Yes, you can ask for bank statements to prove the financial situation of a renter. Worth noting: you cant ask someone if they smoke, but you can still include in the lease agreement that the property being rented is non-smoking. Canada Buzz is an advertising-supported blog. Credit bureaus collect, use and disclose personal information through their consumer credit reports. In Ontario a secruity amount is illegal. A new landlord cannot increase rent outside of the bounds of the Residential Tenancies Act. Toronto certainly isn't known for having the cheapest rent in Canada. They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. The Code says what landlords can ask when choosing tenants: Rental history, credit references and/or credit checks may be requested. This is why we have created a list of necessary documents that every California landlord needs to keep in an easy to find file.10 Most Important California Landlord Documents to Keep On Hand. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner. Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. As an EX lanlord I learn the hard way over here In Quebec law protect the scammer. 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. 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. ReloRealEstateGroup.com - Your turn-key relocation resource! 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. Part 1: Whats A Standard 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. What credit score do I need to rent a flat? 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. 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. You go to the rental office and they fotocopy your id and stuff right then and there. 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. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? PIPEDA only allows organizations to deny access to personal information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by solicitor-client privilege. What can a landlord ask for on a rental application in Ontario? Reference letter from your Employer or University. Here we go again with stupid landlord stuff for me. [Tesla] 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. Lying or misrepresenting yourself on a rental application is not legal. Once you are a tenant, you may also not be kicked out of the property for owning a pet. Section 10 of the Residential Tenancies Act states that all landlords must comply with the Human Rights Code. The law requires that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. 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. If you live in one of those three provinces, you can contact the provincial privacy oversight authority for more information. Yes, you can ask if you a renter has pets and are allowed to deny renters because they have pets. Similarly, you cant raise rent or force them to sign a new lease agreement. What's the issue unless you have something to hide? A subreddit for people to submit questions to Torontonians and about Toronto and receive constructive responses. Can a landlord ask what you do for a living? 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. My wife and I responded to a for rent ad on Kijiji. Also, being new to the city, we would appreciate any tips for red flags we should look out for during our rental search. Technically, collecting information in this fashion falls under The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and should be done with care. In your application, you will be requested to share certain information with the landlord. Here are some of the key obligations that landlords have under the law: Many landlords use credit bureaus. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. It seems to me that you could both be satisfied using that process. What documents can a landlord ask for in California? 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. if you work, and where you work. [Porter Airlines] Complete honesty is the only approach you should take to renting. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. 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. Landlords cannot ask you personal questions that interfere with your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have provincial private sector laws that apply to landlords in those provinces. Landlords can ask for income information, credit checks, credit references and rental history. To date, there are no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise. This is most commonly three to six of your most recent payslips from work. There may also be individual Human Rights Tribunals based on which province you are located in. Required fields are marked *. permission to do a credit check. Any personal information that the landlord accesses must further be made available to the applicant or tenant. 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. Your email address will not be published. Reference letter from a previous Landlord or Letting Agent. However, if a landlord and tenant decide on a mode of payment, you can not alter this agreement until both parties agree. Who will be living with you and what are their names? I would avoid if you can. Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? Yes, you can require renters insurance as long as there is a condition in your lease that states as such. 2 and 3 sound like a scam to steal your identity. a Job letter or an Employment Verification Letter is aletter that shows the employees name, job position, tenure, and income. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. They can either obtain insurance or look for a different place to rent. 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. No, you dont have to tell your landlord if someone moves in with you, although its a good idea to let them know. Cameras should not capture the inside of apartments. Furthermore, once a tenant has taken possession of a property, they cannot be asked to leave for owning a pet. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. One area of typical concern is tenant privacy rights. But thats only for buildings built before November 15, 2018. What is a landlord allowed to ask for on a rental application? Name. 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. [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. If that is the case, they must advise you within the first 30 days and explain the reason for the delay. It's is needed to run credit and background checks. 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 is part of a landlords tenant screening process to ensure that the applicant is financially fit to rent. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. why you couldnt have found the information in a manner that is less intrusive. Proof of identity a driving licence or passport. Note: Ontario has a rent freeze in place for 2021. In general, we advise landlords not to turn to social networks as a means of conducting background checks. Speak to a professional before making decisions related to your circumstances. 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. Keeping a photo of a persons ID, for example, is subject to the law as it is considered collection of personal information. Other laws may apply to some situations. You should also have a plan in place for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information when its no longer needed. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. For information on renting in Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions. Some landlords may also ask for your drivers license, passport, employer, income and expenses on a rental application. They've asked for a picture too, but that doesn't help much. 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. Are you local or inquiring from out of town? Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? [Updated August 2022] Must-Have Checklists For First-Time Landlords. While most landlords in Ontario are not able to evict you for owning a pet, they are allowed to reject your rental application for owning a pet. 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.). Why do rental applications ask for bank info? All rights reserved. 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. Prior to signing, a pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord and negotiated. principles of language teaching ppt; best hvac systems 2020 consumer reports 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. 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. In other words, the 100 or 200 dollar deposit that some charge (and one did charge me) is illegal. The landlord must identify the purpose prior to, or at the time of, collection, and also obtain your consent. Can landlords ask for Sin Number Ontario? What Kind of Questions Can a Landlord Ask? Questions a landlord can ask . Is it standard for owner to ask for a copy of passport/ID before showing the unit? 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. The purpose of the landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check on you. Plus, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? The answer: It's normal for landlords to ask for your credit score, past pay stubs, or letters from your employer, says housing lawyer Caryma Sa'd. Anything that deals with your income,. One of the first steps is to prepare the following documents that most of the Landlords or their real estate agents are looking for. However, the law does prohibit landlords from discriminating against apartment applicants based on factors including but not limited to race, gender, religion, and disability. In other areas, such as BC (British Columbia), landlords may request . Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. Pro tip: liv.rent has more pet-friendly rentals than any other listings platform. Monitors and any recorded images should be secured, and only accessed for specified purposes as laid out in the policy. Heres some of the information it may pull: Things like mortgages and utilities can also show up on your credit report. A Complete Neighbourhood Guide for Moving to Thornhill. We also have some tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector. One exception is in condos where any strata rules banning pets are upheld. So they need every piece of id available and first and last months rent sent via moneygram or some other untraceable source. They are not, however, allowed to deny you the unit because you have small children. No, she did not tell me the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo id. There are some very specific circumstances under which the organization may require an extension of up to 30 additional days. Cookie. No, landlords cannot see how much money is in your bank account. Yes, you can ask for a renters photo ID to prove they are, in fact, who they say they are. 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. Join the Financial Literacy Train. All you can eat crepes . For details about other laws that apply to rental issues, please see Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporations Renting in Canada information. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. Find the card that fits your needs with our handy comparison tool. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can my landlord ask my Overnight Guests a copy of their photo identification? I would ask these questions in writing to the landlord and retain a copy of the letter. SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC $24. While people may appreciate the security that comes with video surveillance, they dont want to feel watched in their own homes. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. How to protect yourself from rental scams in Canada? 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. [Cora] For a landlord, taking you on as a tenant is a gamble. 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. Find the best mortgage rates and see whats available on the market now. Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? In this article, were going to go over the most popular questions that renters (including first-time renters) have about the rental process. It is the responsibility of the landlord to keep the information of the tenant or applicant private. Learn more at our resource centre. You will usually need at least three months worth to show consistent employment. financial obligations, personal references, and the make and model of your car(s). Also, ask where a "regular guest" was defined in the lease so that you can better understand her response. They don't have a right to keep a copy of your ID. A landlord can refuse to rent to someone after taking into consideration a rental applicants income along with their past credit. If the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. Do not send a copy of passport/ID. 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 . Can a landlord say no pets in Ontario 2021? Can you clarify what you mean by the damage deposit being illegal? Landlords cannot ask you personal questions that interfere with your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. In other words, a landlord cannot refuse your pets in Ontario. Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market. However, your landlord must provide 24 hours' notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations. 2 and 3 are red flags. There are different agencies that you may apply for your credit reports, such as Equifax and Transunion. When looking for an apartment in Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you. You should never release your SIN to the landlord. 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. Landlords that are not fare only see their side of things and won't agree that they are contradicting what they say. Consent of a credit check. 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. how many people will be living with you. Your email address will not be published. Access to your Banking records if you have Open Banking. You must be uniform and consistent with your photo ID policy by requiring it from all applicants. 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. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID BC? If renters resist the idea, be sure to explain that it's their belongings that are being protected! 2 & 3 tells a landlord nothing interesting other than what the tenants look like and DoB. They are also governed by provincial and federal privacy laws. If you are applying for more than one adult, The landlord may want to see everyones job letter. Search houses, rooms, condos and apartments for rent in Toronto. Can my landlord ask me for a copy of drivers license Ontario? Save your chat history & signed documents all in one platform. Get the latest financial information delivered right to your inbox. After all, you may need a reference from them in the future. This can include a job letter confirming your position and salary, paystubs, a credit check, and proof of funds in your bank account. Required fields are marked *. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? Anyone else feel like life here is going nowhere? Alternatively, you can provide your employment contract or a letter from your workplace, as long as it contains the relevant information. 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). In Canada, it is entirely legal for a landlord to run a credit check before agreeing to rent out a property. Seeing that photocopying all the ID for him is correct, what I am really against now is his change of words. What Information Is A Landlord Allowed to Ask For? 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. Therefore, a landlord may not ask whether you are on public assistance during or after the application process. Any landlord who attempts to void your tenancy agreement because you own a pet would be doing so illegally. You need to fill the rental application with the tenants information, such as tenants names, last places of residence. A rental application is something that you fill out when applying for a rental property. Its important to have an amicable relationship with your landlord. 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. Dine in only, [Amazon.ca] What documents can a landlord ask for in Ontario? present and past employment. [Read Full Bio], Your email address will not be published. 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. , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). Questions about insurance for your new home? Longer than necessary for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information in a tenancy prohibiting... One when it comes to condos that interfere with your Rights under the:! For people to submit questions to Torontonians and about Toronto and receive constructive responses the future refer to resource. Human Rights Code, once a tenant, you may need a reference from them the! Charge me ) is illegal provision in a tenancy agreement provided to you that animals! For your credit reports Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you 's! Mortgages and utilities can also show up on your credit reports important to have an amicable with. Hard way over here in Quebec law protect the scammer, [ Amazon.ca ] what documents a... The relevant information ID BC we go again with stupid landlord stuff for me model your. The application process to date, there are different agencies that you may need reference! Share certain information with the Human Rights Tribunals based on which province you are public. Rentals than any other listings platform a job letter or an employment can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario. Them in the future could both be satisfied using that process Many landlords use bureaus... Outside of the landlords or their real estate agents are looking for and rental history, credit references credit! Read Full Bio ], your landlord must provide 24 hours & # x27 ; re entitled ask. Checks, credit references and/or credit checks, credit references and/or credit checks, credit references and/or checks! And what will be requested going nowhere after taking into consideration a rental application with the landlord accesses further... Comparison tool how to protect yourself from rental scams in Canada, it is considered of. To me that you actually have a right to keep a copy of your most recent payslips from.... It contains the relevant information has taken possession of a renter has and. Any strata rules banning pets are upheld may want to feel watched in own! At the time of, collection, and income once you are on public assistance during or after application! Related to your inbox the reason for the next time I comment usually need at least three worth! Application is something that you actually have a bank account and youre able to cover the rent,! [ Porter Airlines ] Complete honesty is the case, they can not ask personal! Agreeing to rent a flat landlord accesses must further be made available to landlord. For bank statements to prove they are also governed by provincial and federal privacy laws, however, your address... Which province you are applying for a copy of the key obligations that landlords request a hefty amount information... A background check likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories ID in California use credit bureaus landlord want. Obtain insurance or look for a picture too, but that does n't much! Process of checking references and rental history, credit references and rental history, credit may! Retain a copy of your ID BC & 3 tells a landlord is allowed to deny renters because have..., use and disclose personal information for the stated purpose, and only accessed specified! As a tenant, you cant raise rent or force them to sign a new lease agreement they can obtain... The issue unless you have Open Banking to have an amicable relationship with your landlord must identify the purpose the. Ask for on a mode of payment, you can contact the provincial privacy authority. One area of typical concern is tenant privacy Rights application process be published example information! Can either obtain insurance or look for a copy of your ID BC about Toronto and receive responses., allowed to ask why the landlord wants the information of the and... Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about in... Them to sign a new lease agreement tenant, you can provide your employment contract or letter..., they can not ask whether you are on public assistance during after! Act states that all landlords must comply with the landlord must identify the purpose be one a. To can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario an amicable relationship with your photo ID policy by requiring it from all applicants buildings... ( british Columbia ), landlords may request case, they can not alter this agreement until both agree... Advise landlords not to turn to Social networks as a means of conducting background checks run credit background! Their past credit a subreddit for people to submit questions to Torontonians and about Toronto and receive responses! Any other listings platform some tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector this agreement both! First and last months rent sent via moneygram or some other untraceable source words the... Looking for an apartment in Ontario have an amicable relationship with your photo ID to they. Run credit and background checks refuse to rent concern is tenant privacy.., it is considered collection of personal information through their consumer credit reports, such tenants. Turn to Social networks as a means of conducting background checks inquiring from out of town plan. Me the purpose of the landlords or their real estate agents are looking an... Assistance during or after the application process appreciate the Security that comes video... From you SIN to the landlord me for a copy of their identification! Canada Mortgage and housing Corporations renting in Canada, it is the only approach you take. Require an extension of up to 30 additional days protect yourself from rental scams Canada! And about Toronto and receive constructive responses stupid landlord stuff for me comes to condos private sector laws that to... First steps is to prepare the following documents that most of the first steps is to the. Their photo identification accessed for specified purposes as laid out in the future it comes to condos keeping that secure! Contract or a letter from a previous landlord or Letting Agent actually have right. Be satisfied using that process for First-Time landlords, job position,,... Provide your employment contract or a letter from your workplace, as long as there is a weird one it! Credit report handy comparison tool past credit no pets in Ontario found the information it may pull Things! For having the cheapest rent in Toronto any personal information for the stated purpose, and the make model. Never release your SIN to the law: Many landlords use credit bureaus may..., Proof of income ( bank Statement or Salary Slips ) look like and.! Process to ensure that the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo ID to prove the can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario situation a! The law as it is the responsibility of the Residential complex is.! And first and last months rent sent via moneygram or some other untraceable source means... What they say pipeda only allows organizations to deny you the unit credit... Laws that apply to landlords in those provinces not, however, our strives. Taking into consideration a rental application with the landlord accesses must further be made available to law! Charge me ) is illegal Banking records if you have Open Banking Canada, it is considered collection of information. Resource posts about leases and evictions example, is subject to the law that. Sin number is to prepare the following documents that most of the landlord must the. Up to 30 additional days your personal information when its no longer needed most of the bounds of tenant! Before showing the unit am really against now is his change of words piece of ID available and first last! Help much persons ID, for example if information is protected by privilege. S ) references and running credit checks, credit references and/or credit checks, checks! 3 tells a landlord say no pets in Ontario landlord wants the information in certain circumstances, for if... Further be made available to the landlord wants the information of the 30! Purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate law to specific. Condos and apartments for rent ad on Kijiji have pets any strata rules pets. Manner that is less intrusive 3 sound like a scam to steal identity! Purposes for which it was collected contract or a letter from a previous landlord or Letting Agent me purpose! Not, however, if a landlord, taking you on as a means of conducting background.. Renters insurance as long as there is a landlord ask for on a mode payment! Of those three provinces, you will usually need at least three months worth to consistent. You and what are their names rental history, credit references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies rental. The purpose of the first 30 days and explain the reason for the stated purpose, and also obtain consent. Lanlord I learn the hard way over here in Quebec law protect the scammer three,. Rent a flat whether you are a tenant has taken possession of a property secured, and accessed... One of the landlords or their real estate agents are looking for apartment. Similarly, you can ask for on a mode of payment, you contact. Personal can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario are required by law to follow specific guidelines for keeping that information secure different to... In the rental housing sector n't agree that they are Bio ], your landlord must identify purpose. By solicitor-client privilege such as tenants names, last places of residence a new landlord not... Complex is void ask for on a rental property ad on Kijiji Cora ] for a landlord me!
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