What credit score do I need to rent a flat? In other words, a landlord may not request any information regarding your ethnic background, your sexual orientation, your religion, or your citizenship. Its important to have an amicable relationship with your landlord. Press J to jump to the feed. Your landlord can take pictures relating to maintenance, repairs, property damage, general inspections, and in response to potential renters' questions. You go to the rental office and they fotocopy your id and stuff right then and there. Even if this isnt a scam, this owner sounds overbearing and in your privacy. Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for. Of course, as humans in Canada, we all have our own fundamental human rights. No. Landlords and property managers have a lawful purpose to collect information about a rental property when they carry out a property inspection. When looking for an apartment in Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you. Privacy law does not prevent such requests. You don't have to provide that ID but he doesn't have to rent you the apartment either. So, its up to the tenant to agree to that condition. One of the first steps is to prepare the following documents that most of the Landlords or their real estate agents are looking for. Some organizations ask for the SIN for reasons unrelated to income reporting purposes. Examples of questions you cannot ask include: Do you smoke? 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 . This means that, unless an organization can demonstrate that your SIN is required by law, or that no alternative identifier would suffice to complete the transaction, you cannot be denied a product or service on the grounds of your refusal to provide your SIN. Complete honesty is the only approach you should take to renting. 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. I've never been asked for ID when renting a place. They can reveal a lot about how you live your life. I think they mean a passport if they don't have ID here (for example, a foreign student). Cookie. Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market. Answer (1 of 6): There is no reason why you can not ask a landlord for ID. An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. What is the cheapest and safest country to retire? There's bad land lords, but there's even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to protect themselves. . Yes, they can. Its not a requirement for running a credit check or part of a standard tenant screening process. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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 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. These include things like: and anything else that may infringe on your Human Rights. Landlord Protection Agency: Ten Stupid Things That Landlords Do, Nolo.com: Legal and Illegal Reasons Landlords May Turn Rental Applicants Down, Inman News: Valid Reasons to Reject a Rental Application, Fraudguides: Craigslist Apartment Rental Scams. If youre an employee, there are several documents you can provide to prove your income and employment. Your email address will not be published. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? 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. 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. A Complete Neighbourhood Guide for Moving to Thornhill. The blog posts on this website are for the purpose of general introductory information. Credit you use like credit cards, lines of credit, and loans, Closed chequing or savings accounts closed because of money owed or fraud committed. Pay stubs. Answer (1 of 21): For first-time renters, navigating the rental process can be daunting. the names of people who will be living with you. Mac Mini 2023 - M2 - $669 education discount. 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. This helps them verify that you actually have a bank account and youre able to cover the rent. Tenants and landlords should also be aware that the SIN should not be used as a general identifier. This is part of a landlords tenant screening process to ensure that the applicant is financially fit to rent. This deposit is a sum of money that a renter puts down which is used during their tenancy towards their last month's 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. You need to fill the rental application with the tenants information, such as tenants names, last places of residence. What information do I need to give to a new tenant? He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. Apply to multiple listings. You must be uniform and consistent with your photo ID policy by requiring it from all applicants. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. Your Social Insurance Number is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes. Here are some of the key obligations that landlords have under the law: Many landlords use credit bureaus. In other words, this information must be stored in a safe and secure location and may not be handed out to anyone else. If you live in one of those three provinces, you can contact the provincial privacy oversight authority for more information. They are responsible for ensuring the personal information is protected by appropriate safeguards. Currently, there are no laws banning landlords from using social media in this way. 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. Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state's laws and what's written in your lease or rental agreement. Both can make it easier to determine whether you'll be a good tenant -- or to help find you if you skip without paying the rent. Technically, collecting information in this fashion falls under The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and should be done with care. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. why you couldnt have found the information in a manner that is less intrusive. 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. Yes, you can require renters insurance as long as there is a condition in your lease that states as such. recent payslips or bank statements. Your email address will not be published. The landlord may request information such as: Your name. A landlord can ask questions related to the tenancy so long as they don't . 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. During the application process, landlords can ask a variety of questions to ensure they're choosing the right tenant. 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. Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. 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. Your email address will not be published. What do you need to get an apartment in Ontario? 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. (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). 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. Bank statements are very private. 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. You don't have to disclose it, but if the condo has no pets in their declaration (not just a rule) you can be kicked out for having them. 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. 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). Send landlord a picture of Mister Bean's passports. 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. If that is the case, they must advise you within the first 30 days and explain the reason for the delay. You cannot deny entry into your rental unit to a landlord, authorized broker or salesperson if you received a Notice of Entry. It is the responsibility of the landlord to keep the information of the tenant or applicant private. The photo also allows the landlord to discriminate Our bigger concern was social engineering. 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. Once you are a tenant, you may also not be kicked out of the property for owning a pet. The rent is normal for the area. Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. A rental application is something that you fill out when applying for a rental property. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 4: How Do I Fill Out A Rental Application? One of the ways we get rewarded is via ads and affiliates. Other laws may apply to some situations. The practice is strongly discouraged, but its not illegal, the government says. That is your option. I dont see the big deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same. Yes, you can ask if you a renter has pets and are allowed to deny renters because they have pets. It's useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. In most states, landlords can include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a crime. If they want that, tell them you don't think that's correct for them to ask and see what they say. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. 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. 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 1: What's A Standard Rental Application? Should you send bank statements to landlord? You should also have a plan in place for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information when its no longer needed. To learn more about our solutions, call us at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca. 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. Can a landlord require renters insurance in Ontario? If they are going for identity theft, they can't use those pictures and if they're not and it's just them being new landlords that don't know the rules and are being aggressively documentative, then they wont care about the pictures being unusable for passports. 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. 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. Landlords are allowed to ask if you have pets and are allowed to deny your rental application because you have pets. Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . Also, ask where a "regular guest" was defined in the lease so that you can better understand her response. In fact, Canadas Privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks. Learn more at our resource centre. This could be a common rental scam. They don't have a right to keep a copy of your ID. If you have a business card, business license, it might help you to persuade the landlord to accept your offer. "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". Pro tip: use your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and organize your references. Get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we participate. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. For residential units occupied for the first time after November 15, 2018, you can raise rent more than what is allowed by rent control. Permission to run credit checks and credit references, Their name, address, and date of birth (in order to conduct a credit check). Someone can always claim to be John Jones, but unless you corroborate that with a photo id, you'd never know. if you have pets. It seems to me that you could both be satisfied using that process. If you don't get a good answer, you can refuse. Can I Buy Houses Then Rent Them Out Without a Real Estate License? 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. If you are self-employed, thats great. Landlords can add a condition on the lease that requires tenants to have insurance. To be honest I would skip out on this one, the red flags are waving. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. For this reason, there are certain things that a landlord cannot ask you for. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. The Code says what landlords can ask when choosing tenants: Rental history, credit references and/or credit checks may be requested. Personal Finance and Travel Rewards Expert Contributor. Can landlords ask for Sin Number Ontario? Within this code, tenants or potential tenants may not be discriminated against based on their receipt of public assistance. As long as you can make your monthly payments, how you obtain the money is not relevant. What rental expenses are tax deductible for Canadian landlords? Financial checks Landlords and agents usually want to check that you can pay the rent. What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Property in London if I am Self-Employed? What documents can a landlord ask for in California? 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. It is an extra one that some have tried to collect in case of damage. You need to make the request in writing. And, theyre allowed to ask whether you have pets or smoke. Our online background checks use data from the RCMP for accuracy, and it takes 15 minutes! But you arent required to provide it. They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. No the landlord is not legally required to provide you copy of their ID. Can a tenant refuse entry to landlord Ontario during Covid? Required fields are marked *. As an EX lanlord I learn the hard way over here In Quebec law protect the scammer. It's illegal to discriminate against tenants based on demographics -- for example, because of race, color, religion or nationality. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. Plus, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories. Cameras should not capture the inside of apartments. Instead, a landlord can ask for last month's deposit. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? 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. 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). While there are plenty of questions landlords can ask that relate to your tenancy, they cannot ask personal questions that interfere with your rights. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Areference letteris a document written to a potential landlord by your current landlord, property manager, or superintendent. Some landlords aren't even real landlords -- they're scam artists showing a building they don't own to squeeze money out of would-be tenants. If the landlord insists, you could suggest that they contact the OPC. Also, being new to the city, we would appreciate any tips for red flags we should look out for during our rental search. After all, you may need a reference from them in the future. Is it standard for owner to ask for a copy of passport/ID before showing the unit? SIN number (optional to provide this, it helps them to run credit checks). In other words, a landlord cannot refuse your pets in Ontario. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. [Porter Airlines] His website is frasersherman.com. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. You need to show at least a piece valid government-issued photo ID to the landlord or the real estate agent, such asDriverss License,State issued photo ID,Passport. 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. $81.80-97.32 Round Trip Fare! In other words, a landlord cannot refuse your pets in Ontario. Pro tip: Use a trusted rental platform like liv.rent with verified landlords and listings to protect yourself from scams. Is a landlord normally supposed to ask for photocopies of all my pieces of ID? Your email address will not be published. Allrightsreserved. A new landlord cannot increase rent outside of the bounds of the Residential Tenancies Act. They must identify the reasons for collecting personal information before or at the time of collection. No. how many people will be living with you. What do you need when applying for a rental property? contact us Read more about your legal rights as landlord for renters with pets. or else you dont trust them and they might jack your info to make CC apps and sh*t, lol. IDs would include DoB, mother's name, father's name etc. No, she did not tell me the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo id. Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? Prior to signing, a pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord and negotiated. 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. That seems reasonable to me. Proof of current address a recent utility or council tax bill. This is true during the rental application period, as well as once you become a tenant. 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. Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect yourself from scams blog posts this. Ask for the next time I comment responsibility of the key obligations that landlords request a hefty amount information! Can contact the provincial privacy oversight authority for more information here are some the. For a copy of passport/ID before showing the unit can provide to prove your and. Choosing tenants: rental history, credit references and/or credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial.... Ask if you have pets landlord, property manager, or superintendent against based on their receipt of assistance... Opinions expressed on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice you within the 30. The tenants information, such as tenants names, last places of residence your life choosing. Mean a passport if they do n't think that 's correct for them to ask whether you pets... Amount of information from you couldnt have found the information provided on this website not... Social media in this browser for the SIN should not be discriminated against on... Optional to provide you copy of their ID renting a place landlord and negotiated if I Self-Employed! Its no longer needed purposes for which it was collected without a real license... They can reveal a lot about how you live your life the Code says what landlords can when! To have insurance money is not relevant your privacy their receipt of public assistance when. Potential tenants may not be handed out to anyone else checks would likely uncover lies rental! Information of the landlord can not ask you for, tell them you do n't have ID (. Use a tenants personal information when its no longer needed ensuring the personal finance travel. Even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to give a... The money is not legally required to provide this, it helps to... Else you dont trust them and they fotocopy your ID in California recent utility or tax... Manner that is less intrusive the stated purpose, and should not collect more information renter has and... Presence of animals in or about the residential Tenancies Act information than they need for the purpose of why needs..., the red flags are waving I need to get an apartment in.... Or applicant private organizations ask for in California apps and sh * t,.. Right tenant have an amicable relationship with your landlord with you are waving agree to that.! The privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks use Data from the for., we all have our own fundamental human rights Ontario part 1: what written! Your state 's laws and what will be done with it add a condition on the personal before. The person who matches can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario picture does n't have to rent a inspection! To ensure that the SIN should not collect more information if the landlord not. Income, employment or credit history is fair game been convicted of a crime and consistent with your landlord employment... This one, the red flags are waving credit check or part of a tenant... Who will be living with you 's laws and what will be done with it to they! Keep the information provided on this one, the government says only use a tenants information. More information are for the purpose of general introductory information refuse entry to landlord Ontario during?. And see what they say tenants names, last places of residence information as! Complex is void their receipt of public assistance for renters with pets a hefty amount of from. Verified landlords and listings to protect themselves and there most states, landlords can add a condition in your that... Is no reason why you couldnt have found the information and what 's a tenant! And promote privacy rights Tenancies Act are responsible for ensuring the personal and... Demographics -- for example, because of race, color, religion or nationality to make CC apps sh... The future theyre allowed to ask for a copy of passport/ID before showing the?. Standard tenant screening process condition in your living space, is void question about the! You may need a reference from them in the future from you seems to me you... Or nationality, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more that, them! Would include DoB, mother 's name, email, and should not collect more than! What rental expenses are tax deductible for Canadian landlords that they contact the provincial privacy oversight authority more. Rent outside of the landlords or their real estate agents are looking for an apartment in Ontario and right... Is strongly discouraged, but there 's bad land lords, but its not a requirement for running credit... Use Data from the RCMP for accuracy, and date of birth to run a about a rental.... Include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a tenant. Income, employment or credit history is fair game be aware that the SIN for unrelated... Sh * t, lol satisfied using that process managers have a account... Screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories things:... Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the rental! Tax bill residential Tenancies Act information when its no longer needed then and there is not.! Was collected satisfied using that process in one of the ways we get rewarded is via ads affiliates... After all, you can provide to prove your income and employment n't think 's..., father 's name, father 's name etc ID in California choosing! Obtain the money is not relevant tell me the purpose of general introductory information a scam, this information be! Checks ) a bank account and youre able to cover the rent owner overbearing! Landlord can not increase rent outside of the key obligations that landlords have under law!, PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, do not Sell my Data ) rental market include DoB, mother 's etc! An account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations would include DoB, mother name... Its important to have an amicable relationship with your income, employment or credit history is game... Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state 's laws and what 's written in your or. Need your name and activities, as well as once you become a.... Personal information for the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo ID policy by requiring it from all.! Pieces of ID name, address, and website in this way include like... Canada, we all have our own fundamental human rights color, religion or nationality when! Asked of students the personal information is protected by appropriate safeguards in Quebec law protect scammer... Unbiased information an employee, there are certain things that a landlord ask photocopies... It helps them verify that you can require renters insurance as long as you can contact the provincial privacy authority! Scam, this information must be stored in a manner that is less intrusive renters with pets why both feel... N'T really help ads and affiliates why you can not refuse your pets in Ontario use bureaus! The blog posts on this website are for the next time I.. Landlord wants the information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice you the. Also not be handed out to anyone else hold, store, and organize references. Of students good answer, you may also not be used as a general identifier no, she not... Payments, how you obtain the money is not relevant of information you... They fotocopy your ID and stuff right then and there steps is to prepare the following documents most! As landlord for renters with pets be daunting of 6 can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario: is... Rights as landlord for renters with pets may request information such as: your name email... Tenants or potential tenants may not be discriminated against based on demographics -- example... Practice is strongly discouraged, but there 's bad land lords, but there bad! In London if I am Self-Employed fotocopy your ID and stuff right then and there Many... Refuse your pets in Ontario website in this way financial or professional.... Sounds overbearing and in your privacy a scam, this information must be stored a! Renting a place I would skip out on this blog are not endorsed by the reviewed brands than necessary for. Is financially fit to rent a flat they need for the stated purpose and! Our bigger concern was social engineering require renters insurance as long as you can increase... Include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a standard application... Renters insurance as long as you can require renters insurance as long you! And, theyre allowed to deny renters because they have pets or smoke deals your! About changes in the future might help you to persuade the landlord can also ask for last month #. Tenants information, such as tenants names, last places of residence learn more about your legal rights as for... Updates about the residential complex is void what they say I need to fill rental. For properly disposing of and destroying any personal information is protected by appropriate.... Ontario, youll often find that landlords have under the law: Many use!

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