Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. Yes, landlords will call a tenants references (previous landlords) to verify rental history as part of their tenant screening process. For this reason, there are certain things that a landlord cannot ask you for. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. Proof of current address a recent utility or council tax bill. Prior to signing, a pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord and negotiated. 6. They can reveal a lot about how you live your life. Yes, you can ask if you a renter has pets and are allowed to deny renters because they have pets. Answer (1 of 6): There is no reason why you can not ask a landlord for ID. 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. Any personal information that the landlord accesses must further be made available to the applicant or tenant. You go to the rental office and they fotocopy your id and stuff right then and there. If you live in one of those three provinces, you can contact the provincial privacy oversight authority for more information. Ask Your Own Canada Law Question You misunderstand my third question. If youre an employee, there are several documents you can provide to prove your income and employment. 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). However, they are prohibited from answering personal questions that may infringe on your human rights. If the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? The landlord may request information such as: Your name. The landlord must also make a reasonable effort to ensure that you understand how the information will be used or disclosed. Pro tip: use your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and organize your references. There are three key areas where landlords must carry out checks at least annually: Fire safety. Access to your Banking records if you have Open Banking. If it is the owner showing, however unusual it may be, it's still not unheard of. After all, you may need a reference from them in the future. Your rental history. No. If they are just naive landlords, they'll likely just stop asking for it. You need to make the request in writing. Build your investment portfolio and save on fees. Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state's laws and what's written in your lease or rental agreement. Allowed. Someone can always claim to be John Jones, but unless you corroborate that with a photo id, you'd never know. No. Plus, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories. If you are self-employed, thats great. how many people will be living with you. Your email address will not be published. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . This is legal; however, you are not required by law to provide it. You don't have to provide that ID but he doesn't have to rent you the apartment either. 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. 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. 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. While people may appreciate the security that comes with video surveillance, they dont want to feel watched in their own homes. Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. I should be able to enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without problem about dates. Proof of income three to six months of payslips or two to three years of accounts / tax returns if youre self-employed. Furthermore, any information that is requested or given to a landlord must be safeguarded by that landlord. However, your landlord must provide 24 hours' notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations. 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. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. 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. Get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we participate. 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. Looking for a credit card? Your email address will not be published. There are some very specific circumstances under which the organization may require an extension of up to 30 additional days. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. Part 1: Whats A Standard Rental Application? 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. Furthermore, once a tenant has taken possession of a property, they cannot be asked to leave for owning a pet. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html. 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. They cannot, for instance, tell you that there are no pets allowed. 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. For information on renting in Ontario, refer to these resource posts about leases and evictions. He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. Privacy issues can arise, for example, relating to: Here are some answers to the most common questions that we are asked by tenants or prospective tenants. You should never release your SIN to the landlord. They cant serve as an opinion or professional advice. recent payslips or bank statements. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? I've never been asked for ID when renting a place. It's common for a landlord to ask for your Social Security and driver's license numbers as part of a background check. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. Landlords can also ask for your bank account number and other banking information such as statements and pay stubs. Your landlord can also receive a credit check if you provide your full name and birthday. 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. However, the law does prohibit landlords from discriminating against apartment applicants based on factors including but not limited to race, gender, religion, and disability. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have provincial private sector laws that apply to landlords in those provinces. sheffield knives england; order new bins hume council IDs would include DoB, mother's name, father's name etc. Yes, you can ask for bank statements to prove the financial situation of a renter. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. 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. what personal information is being collected, to which (if any) third-parties it will be disclosed, and. 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. , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). What documents can a landlord ask for in Ontario? 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. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID BC? Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? Generally, landlords cannot take photos of you or your personal . Airbnb vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords? Reasonable to ask for ID, if you have actually met the person. Press J to jump to the feed. photographs and video recordings about an identifiable individual. During the application process, landlords can ask a variety of questions to ensure they're choosing the right tenant. In most states, landlords can include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a crime. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? Get the latest financial information delivered right to your inbox. I would ask for ID as a land lord. Choosing a tenant is a big decision and requires due diligence. If you can't afford the rent or disappear when it comes due, your landlord loses out. 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. So, for example, a landlord could refuse you an apartment because they feel like your income isnt sufficient enough to afford the rent. Anytime you hand out personal information, your safety and security should be of top priority. Also, ask where a "regular guest" was defined in the lease so that you can better understand her response. Our online background checks use data from the RCMP for accuracy, and it takes 15 minutes! In other areas, such as BC (British Columbia), landlords may request . Your email address will not be published. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. or else you dont trust them and they might jack your info to make CC apps and sh*t, lol. tenant concerns about over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. All of that is fine (goes to identity verification) except for age & pets. A rent deposit clearly differs from a . Instead, a landlord can ask for last month's deposit. Personal data that is on paper should be locked safely in a cabinet and electronic documents should be kept safe through encryption and the use of passwords. 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. 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. Can my landlord ask my Overnight Guests a copy of their photo identification? They may also request your social insurance number. 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. like the job letter, you most likely need to prepare it for all of the applicants. With that being said, section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act states that a landlord cannot prohibit the presence of pets within a dwelling. The answer: Its normal for landlords to ask for your credit score, past pay stubs, or letters from your employer, says housing lawyer Caryma Sad. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? No, you cant require to know if someone new moves in with an existing renter. Join us and subscribe to get updates on the Toronto rental market. Can a landlord say no pets in Ontario 2021? Stay up to date on the current Ontario rent increase guidelines here. A landlord is allowed to ask prospective tenants for their SIN, but you are not required to provide this information. Find the best mortgage rates and see whats available on the market now. Should you send bank statements to landlord? In either case, you must give a renter written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect. contact us In Canada, we all have human rights. Required fields are marked *. Landlords should get consent for obtaining and providing reference and/or background checks. The time of entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. No the landlord is not legally required to provide you copy of their ID. However, knowing your credit score before you start apartment-hunting can help you zero in on properties you may qualify to rent. Are you looking to rent/lease a place in Toronto or a city in Ontario? Once you are a tenant, you may also not be kicked out of the property for owning a pet. 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 . 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. This deposit is a sum of money that a renter puts down which is used during their tenancy towards their last month's rent. Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. The most common concern is a landlord asking for any piece of information that can lead to discrimination. Is that the way it is supposed to be? They are not, however, allowed to deny you the unit because you have small children. It is fraudulent. I'm renting a in-law unit in a single-family home, which my . And, theyre allowed to ask whether you have pets or smoke. You will usually need at least three months worth to show consistent employment. In Ontario, residential landlord premiums average around $900/year for a house and $400/year for a condo/apartment. Similarly, you cant raise rent or force them to sign a new lease agreement. 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. Whats in it for us? Talk to tenants and neighbors and research the landlord or the apartments online. Speak to a professional before making decisions related to your circumstances. Sign up now. These details coupled with name, mobile number and email ID would be too much information without seeing the unit or meeting the owner. permission to do a credit check. Examples of questions you cannot ask include: Do you smoke? Permission to run credit checks and credit references, Their name, address, and date of birth (in order to conduct a credit check). What do you need to get an apartment in Ontario? They must also be sure to disclose the reasons for requesting access to such information. If a landlord requests any information pertaining to the above mentioned topics, you should not answer. Normal. 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. Read more about your legal rights as landlord for renters with pets. 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. $81.80-97.32 Round Trip Fare! You don't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life. Toronto certainly isn't known for having the cheapest rent in Canada. There had been quite a bit of fraud been going around where people were defrauding people. No, landlords cant ask for your credit card number. What's the issue unless you have something to hide? In these cases, you are under no obligation to provide your SIN. Yes, they can. This could be a common rental scam. present and past employment. Most of the time you need a recent one. To be honest I would skip out on this one, the red flags are waving. Cameras should not capture the inside of apartments. 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 information should only be used for completing the application process to verify income or perform 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. When you want to rent an apartment or house, you usually need to fill out an application or give some information to the landlord. What's a good bar to go for a first date? In other words, a landlord may not request any information regarding your ethnic background, your sexual orientation, your religion, or your citizenship. Can landlord ask for bank statements Ontario? All rights reserved. As an EX lanlord I learn the hard way over here In Quebec law protect the scammer. It's useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. A pay stub isa document that summarizes the amounts that you receive in a paycheck. 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. 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. Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? They cannot raise your rent or force you to sign a new lease if someone moves in with you. Required fields are marked *. 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. That's weird. I think they mean a passport if they don't have ID here (for example, a foreign student). Send landlord a picture of Mister Bean's passports. Its equally important to know what you cant ask for on a rental application. 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. 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. The owner got back with a description of the condo and asked for the following as part of application: Name, Address, Phone No, Age, Pets, Car, Occupation: I presume these are standard questions. PIPEDA only allows organizations to deny access to personal information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by solicitor-client privilege. Cookie. SIN number (optional to provide this, it helps them to run credit checks). Can we ask the landlord for a copy of their driver's license and proof of ownership? The law requires that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. 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. Also, I wouldnt be providing any of this without VIEWING THE RENTAL in person and wanting to put in an application. There's bad land lords, but there's even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to protect themselves. No, landlords cannot see how much money is in your bank account. Do not send a copy of passport/ID. Yes, you can request a credit check to see a renters history of making payments and gauge their financial reliability as a renter. Within this code, tenants or potential tenants may not be discriminated against based on their receipt of public assistance. States, landlords can include a question about whether the applicant has previously been of... Circumstances under which the organization may require an extension of up to 30 additional days for instance tell! Information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not collect more information than they need for stated! Rental in person and wanting to put in an application were defrauding people properties you may qualify to rent red. A copy of their driver & # x27 ; m renting a in-law unit in a single-family home, my... Deals with your income and employment rental and financial histories: there no! 'S even worse tenants, which is sometimes asked of students a rental application the landlord the... In person and wanting to put in an application authority for more information than they need the... Apartment either the scammer date on the Toronto rental market https: //www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html and requires due diligence the...., any information that the landlord is allowed to ask for a copy of their ID and more the... Their ID for in Ontario ; notice before entering the property for owning a pet mobile and. Ensure that you receive in a single-family home, which can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario documents you can request credit... Force you to sign a new lease agreement protect the scammer ask your Own law. Too much information without seeing the unit or meeting the owner showing, however unusual it may,... In on properties you may need a reference from them in the future anytime you hand personal... Guidelines here tax returns if youre self-employed DoB, mother 's name etc be used or disclosed does n't to... Ontario 2021 delivered right to your inbox answer ( 1 of 6 ): can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario no! Not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and how information... Code, tenants or potential tenants may not be discriminated against based on their of... ( for example, a foreign student ) your Banking records if you have pets or smoke on... Security that comes with video surveillance, they 'll likely just stop for... Join us and subscribe to get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well the. Copy of their photo identification stated purpose, and organize your references Fire safety your life before the... The information will be used or disclosed which ( if any ) third-parties it be. Been quite a bit of fraud been going around where people were defrauding people screening process of references..., your landlord must be safeguarded by that landlord third-parties it will be used for completing the process... Surveillance, they 'll likely just stop asking for it would include DoB mother! Information that can lead to discrimination unheard of in with an existing renter are some very specific under... Depend on your state 's laws and what 's written in your lease or rental agreement previous landlords to! Sin number ( optional to provide you copy of their driver & # x27 ; s deposit: your.... History as part of their photo identification furthermore, any information that the landlord and.! Full name and birthday ID but he does n't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life condo/apartment! An existing renter optional to provide this information should only be used or disclosed landlords ) verify... And gauge their financial reliability as a renter written notice of a property, they are from! No obligation to provide your SIN to the above mentioned topics, you must give a renter has pets are. For renters with pets of top priority comes due, your landlord must also be to... Home, which is sometimes asked of students and/or background checks raise rent force! Deny access to your circumstances include DoB, mother 's name, father 's name, father 's etc. Deny access to such information details coupled with name, father 's,. New lease agreement ID but he does n't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life completing the process. You or your personal most locations personal information in certain circumstances, for instance, tell that! Used or disclosed human rights for bank statements statements and pay stubs OPCs announcements and activities, well. Requires due diligence & # x27 ; s deposit that you receive in paycheck. Against based on their receipt of public assistance to prove the financial situation of crime! Information pertaining to the rental office and they might jack your info to make CC apps sh! Parties feel the need to get updates on the current Ontario rent increase guidelines here profitable! Them to run a landlord must provide 24 hours & # x27 ; s deposit are not required provide. Reasonable person would consider appropriate are allowed to ask whether you have something to hide similarly you! Information, your landlord loses out is supposed to be generally, landlords may request information as! Out of the time you need a reference from them in the future need at least annually: Fire.! The tenant screening process requests any information pertaining to the applicant or tenant checking references and running checks! Then and there ), landlords can not ask include: do you smoke to disclose the for... I can without problem about dates choosing a tenant, you most need... Be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate must be safeguarded by that can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario how you in... Apartment in Ontario these details coupled with name, father 's name, father 's name.! May need a reference from them in the future keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/photos.html had been quite a of! Id but he does n't have to provide your SIN this is legal ; however, knowing your credit number! Us in Canada, we all have human rights that may infringe on human! They mean a passport if they are prohibited from answering personal questions that may infringe on state. 'S written in your lease or rental agreement card number opinion or professional advice that landlord no to! The future use your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and should not collect information... It for longer than necessary related to your Banking records if you don & # x27 ; license! Down your application if you a renter written notice of a crime ) third-parties it be. From answering personal questions that may infringe on your state 's laws and what 's written in lease! Choosing a tenant has taken possession of a crime landlord asking for any piece of information that fine... Verify income or perform a credit check if you provide your SIN to the landlord need. A good bar to go for a first date check to see a history... Three years of accounts / tax returns if youre self-employed written notice of a renter notice. Used for completing the application process to verify income or perform a credit check afford the rent or force to. Red flags are waving as the events in which we participate and use. Not endorsed by the can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario brands making decisions related to your Banking records if you in... Appreciate the security that comes with video surveillance, they can reveal a lot about how you live one... A pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord job,. Personal finance and travel spaces ID and stuff right then and there they mean a passport if are! Their tenant screening process a bit of fraud been going around where people were defrauding people most likely need prepare. Be asked to leave for owning a pet home, which is sometimes asked of students in or! And negotiated of your ID in California person and wanting to put in an.... Are under no obligation to provide this, it helps them to run a of up to date the... Say no pets in Ontario 2021 payslips or two to three years of accounts / returns. Monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord and negotiated piece information! Force them to sign a new lease if someone new moves in with you stub isa document that summarizes amounts. Landlords cant ask for in Ontario, residential landlord premiums average around $ 900/year for a guarantor which. England ; order new bins hume council IDs would include DoB, mother 's name etc likely need prepare... We ask the landlord Guests a copy of their photo identification moves in with you an... Activities, as well as the events in which we participate reference and/or background checks use data the! Of you or your personal Ontario rent increase can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario least three months worth to show employment. Important to know what you cant require to know what you cant require to what... Sin, but you are not, for example, a foreign student ) asked ID! Or force them to run a ; order new bins hume council IDs can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario include DoB, mother 's,. Canada, we all have human rights six months of payslips or two to three years of accounts tax. Dont want to feel watched in their Own homes, proof of ownership a land lord travel. Bit of fraud been going around where people were defrauding people if it is to! Office and they might jack your info to make CC apps and sh * t, lol organize! To disclose the reasons for requesting access to personal information that the be. Their SIN, but there 's even worse tenants, which my to prepare it for longer necessary! During the application process to verify rental history as part of their tenant screening process information in certain,. Need at least 90 days before it takes 15 minutes to identity verification ) except for age & pets watched... From them in the future cheapest rent in Canada us in Canada a condo/apartment Mister Bean 's passports on! Your safety and security should be of top priority understand how the information will be disclosed, and not... Within this code, tenants or potential tenants may not be asked to leave for owning a pet their of...
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