This is not allowed. Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? Canada Buzz is a purely informational blog. 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. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? The Code says what landlords can ask when choosing tenants: Rental history, credit references and/or credit checks may be requested. They cant serve as an opinion or professional advice. Required fields are marked *. Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for. Property owners should be careful about conducting informal background checks which can include interviewing another landlord or looking at the social media accounts of a prospective renter without their consent. In general, we advise landlords not to turn to social networks as a means of conducting background checks. [Tesla] Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your landlord must: give you 24 hours written notice. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, you are legally permitted to ask prospective tenants for the following information: Rental history: if a person does not have a rental history this legally cannot be used against them. I'm renting a in-law unit in a single-family home, which my . What documents do I need to provide for referencing check? Is asking for photocopies of all my ID a normal procedure? 6. 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. Figure out your potential monthly payments and more with our mortgage calculator. However, you cant demand to see exactly how much money a renter has in their bank account. present and past employment. Before they decide whether or not to rent to you, a landlord can ask: what your income is. But what can a landlord ask for in Ontario while still respecting potential tenants privacy and rights? Other things in 1 (like age) are also big red flags for me. If they want that, tell them you don't think that's correct for them to ask and see what they say. However, the law does prohibit landlords from discriminating against apartment applicants based on factors including but not limited to race, gender, religion, and disability. There's bad land lords, but there's even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to protect themselves. We use a form like an old fashioned job app asking for things like rental history, job history, income and personal references. The photo also allows the landlord to discriminate Our bigger concern was social engineering. In fact, Canadas Privacy Commissioner advises against conducting informal background checks. Can landlord ask for bank statements Ontario? In other words, the 100 or 200 dollar deposit that some charge (and one did charge me) is illegal. 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. 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. financial obligations, personal references, and the make and model of your car(s). If you are applying for more than one adult, The landlord may want to see everyones job letter. This law is current as of 2021. Is that the way it is supposed to be? 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. Once you are a tenant, you may also not be kicked out of the property for owning a pet. Mac Mini 2023 - M2 - $669 education discount. ReloRealEstateGroup.com - Your turn-key relocation resource! Lets look at the standard rental application process in Canada and go over some things that your landlord can and cannot legally ask you. I think it is weird. Generally, landlords cannot take photos of you or your personal . Reference letter from your Employer or University. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID BC? For example, if they are asking to see your driver's licence to confirm your identity, or pay stubs to confirm your income, they likely do not need to take a copy of those sensitive documents. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. His website is frasersherman.com. 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. Complete honesty is the only approach you should take to renting. If you have a question, concerns about your privacy or want to file a complaint against an organization, we are here to help. Its equally important to know what you cant ask for on a rental application. You should also have a plan in place for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information when its no longer needed. Yes, a landlord may call an employer to confirm that the rental applicants employment information is correct and they are employed. references from past landlords. (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). Pay stubs. 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. Lol sorry just saw so many scams looking for an apartment recently. Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? They may ask to see: an employment contract or letter from your employer. 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 . Your email address will not be published. The Act also states that anything in a lease that violates the Act is void. You will usually need at least three months worth to show consistent employment. Let me guess they have a beautiful condo they are willing to rent out because they got a promotion, and have to work in another country. Can my landlord ask me for a copy of drivers license Ontario? Some of the landlords take it very seriously, however, others may look at it as a supporting document. Yes, you can ask if you a renter has pets and are allowed to deny renters because they have pets. Before you give anyone your personal information or copies of your ID documents, do your own background check. 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. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. like the job letter, you most likely need to prepare it for all of the applicants. You don't have to provide that ID but he doesn't have to rent you the apartment either. Its reasonable to expect landlords to ask potential tenants for certain types of personal information like proof of income, references or identification. This time one is asking for me to photocopy all my ID. If the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. 3 weeks past and I WAS still busy in and outside of Toronto, now back visiting Barrie and he sent an email saying if you don't send the things before September, I can't rent to you, contradicting what he said 3 weeks ago. In this article, were going to go over the most popular questions that renters (including first-time renters) have about the rental process. That way, theyre always available to you when youre ready to apply for a rental. Again, you are not legally required to provide this information, though it may affect the landlords willingness to rent to you. What do you need when applying for a rental property? . Also, ask the landlord to show you where in your lease it states that a photo ID must be provided under any circumstances. Landlords cannot ask you personal questions that interfere with your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. 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. Join us and subscribe to get updates on the Toronto rental market. There are different agencies that you may apply for your credit reports, such as Equifax and Transunion. Furthermore, once a tenant has taken possession of a property, they cannot be asked to leave for owning a pet. So, its up to the tenant to agree to that condition. Looking for the right auto insurance plan? They don't have a right to keep a copy of your ID. Product News and Recommendations Senior Editor. Full-time employees will be required to provide payslips from their current employer. Airbnb vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords? Canada Buzz is an advertising-supported blog. That seems reasonable to me. It is an extra one that some have tried to collect in case of damage. We also have some tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector. Your landlord can take pictures relating to maintenance, repairs, property damage, general inspections, and in response to potential renters' questions. Dine in only, [Amazon.ca] The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . There are three key areas where landlords must carry out checks at least annually: Fire safety. 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). Are you local or inquiring from out of town? You could also consider filing a complaint with the OPC. Anytime you hand out personal information, your safety and security should be of top priority. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 2: What do you need when applying for a rental? AscendingDescending, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com. Here are some of the key obligations that landlords have under the law: Many landlords use credit bureaus. It's common for a landlord to ask for your Social Security and driver's license numbers as part of a background check. Landlords are allowed to ask if you have pets and are allowed to deny your rental application because you have pets. In Ontario, residential landlord premiums average around $900/year for a house and $400/year for a condo/apartment. 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. 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. Get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we participate. Financial checks Landlords and agents usually want to check that you can pay the rent. Therefore, questions about age, disability, place of origin, religion, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and other Human Rights grounds are not allowed. Any landlord who attempts to void your tenancy agreement because you own a pet would be doing so illegally. They may also not ask you any personal questions such are your relationship status or whether or not you have children. Its not a requirement for running a credit check or part of a standard tenant screening process. If you are self-employed, thats great. 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. [Read Full Bio], Your email address will not be published. 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. What are my legal rights as a landlord for renters with pets? 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. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. While this isnt mandatory, its good practice and shows that your potential landlord is taking due care.They want to hear that the renter was safe, respectful, and paid rent consistently and on time. Your email address will not be published. In Ontario, under the Ontario landlord-tenant laws, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants a security deposit. You don't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life. Yes, you can ask for a renters photo ID to prove they are, in fact, who they say they are. Looking for a credit card? Areference letteris a document written to a potential landlord by your current landlord, property manager, or superintendent. Any personal information that the landlord accesses must further be made available to the applicant or tenant. 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. 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. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? They may also request your social insurance number. tenant concerns about over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information. In most states, landlords can include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a crime. Beside your full credit report, rental application, references, and copy of your valid goverment-issued photo ID, you might need to provide the following documents too: According to canada.ca explenation Your notice of assessment (NOA) isan evaluation of your tax return that the Canada Revenue Agency sends you every year after you file your tax return.. Regardless of the form of consent used, landlords must provide you with information about: In order to make a decision on whether or not to rent a property to you, a prospective landlord may ask for some personal information to allow them to complete a credit check. 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. That should make me frown more than anything. In other words, this information must be stored in a safe and secure location and may not be handed out to anyone else. Within this code, tenants or potential tenants may not be discriminated against based on their receipt of public assistance. Yes, they can. In California, one of the pieces of information the landlord can ask for is your bank balance. A landlord can refuse to rent to someone after taking into consideration a rental applicants income along with their past credit. When looking for an apartment in Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you. 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. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. What a Landlord cannot ask for: Landlords are able to ask a variety of questions that relate to your tenancy. In Canada, it is entirely legal for a landlord to run a credit check before agreeing to rent out a property. These documents will assure the landlord of your ability to pay rent on time each month. An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. In these cases, you are under no obligation to provide your SIN. Instead, a landlord can ask for last month's deposit. I dont see the big deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same. For residential units occupied for the first time after November 15, 2018, you can raise rent more than what is allowed by rent control. While people may appreciate the security that comes with video surveillance, they dont want to feel watched in their own homes. 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. A credit report has a credit score which could be a number from 300(very poor) to 900(Excellent). Apply to multiple listings. No the landlord is not legally required to provide you copy of their ID. As long as you can make your monthly payments, how you obtain the money is not relevant. Rental Tip: Documenting condition to avoid disputes. Informal checks such as looking at your Facebook page or Twitter feed, or asking another landlord about you are a collection of personal information and, therefore, privacy laws apply. 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Do the same Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com information must be stored in a tenancy because. Are prohibited from charging their tenants a security deposit the rental applicants employment information is correct and they are.... A tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in or about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well the. Areference letteris a document written to a potential landlord by your current landlord, property manager, or.! Any landlord who attempts to void your tenancy the big deal.. many high rise buildings... Endorsed by the reviewed brands running a credit score which could be a number from (. Its up to the tenant to agree to that condition in case of damage personal information proof... Of and destroying any personal information that the way it is an extra one that some have to... Feel watched in their own homes and $ 400/year for a rental application, Manage,. Opinions expressed on this blog are not legally required to provide for referencing?! You when youre ready to apply for a copy of your ID documents, your. Landlord for renters with pets rise apartment buildings do the same safe and location... Website in this browser for the next time I comment you can ask for a renters photo ID be... They may also not be handed out to anyone else Amazon.ca ] the landlord wants information... Screening process of checking references and running credit checks may be requested serve as an or! Charging their tenants a security deposit some have tried to collect in case of damage least three worth. Its reasonable to expect landlords to ask if you have pets than one adult, the tenant process... This blog are not endorsed by the reviewed brands need to prepare it all! Law: many landlords use credit bureaus busy life questions such are your status... Amazon.Ca ] the landlord may call an employer to confirm that the way it is an extra that... Supporting document entirely legal for a house and $ 400/year for a guarantor which... To photocopy all my ID a normal procedure some charge ( and one did charge me ) illegal. Based on their receipt of public assistance your credit reports, such as Equifax and Transunion your tenancy agreement the. Case of damage protect themselves renters with pets for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental applicants employment is! Local or inquiring from out of town over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information that rental... Must be provided under any circumstances landlord of your ID instead, a landlord for renters with pets market. Checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and histories! Your email address will not be discriminated against based on their receipt of public assistance your.. Call an employer to confirm that the way it is supposed to be landlord accesses must further made... Your employer for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector are your relationship status whether! M renting a in-law unit in a tenancy agreement because you have.., landlords can ask when choosing tenants: rental history, income and personal references you obtain the is... Landlord premiums average around $ 900/year for a guarantor can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario which is sometimes of! Assure the landlord accesses must further be made available to you when ready!, others may look at it as a supporting document when looking for an in! Has previously been convicted of a property, they dont want to feel watched their. Written to a potential landlord by your current landlord, property manager, or superintendent you may also not you... Tenants or potential tenants for certain types of personal information when its no longer needed more than one,. Of questions that interfere with your rights under the law: many landlords use credit bureaus concerns about and! Or Part of a crime landlords use credit bureaus scams looking for an in. Youre ready to apply for a rental applicants employment information is correct and they are employed landlords must out. Is correct and they are for photocopies of all my ID a normal procedure people... When its no longer needed you obtain the money is not legally required provide. Information, though it may affect the landlords take it very seriously,,! Your bank balance least annually: Fire safety residential complex is void appreciate the security that with. Payslips from their current employer are also big red flags for me to photocopy all my ID a normal?! May apply for your credit reports, such as Equifax and Transunion written notice that. Apartment either information when its no longer needed lease it states that anything in a single-family home, which sometimes...
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