Access to your Banking records if you have Open Banking. Landlords that are not fare only see their side of things and won't agree that they are contradicting what they say. For example, if a landlord should ask for a bank statement, they must disclose what they wish to use that information for. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. I should be able to enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without problem about dates. Currently, there are no laws banning landlords from using social media in this way. Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. 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 the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. In Canada, we all have human rights. Complete honesty is the only approach you should take to renting. Many landlords will ask you to complete an application form before they will rent an apartment or house to you. Rental Tip: Documenting condition to avoid disputes. Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state's laws and what's written in your lease or rental agreement. 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. Anything that deals with your income, employment or credit history is fair game. Lets look at the standard rental application process in Canada and go over some things that your landlord can and cannot legally ask you. Your email address will not be published. In most states, landlords can include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a crime. They've asked for a picture too, but that doesn't help much. You cannot deny entry into your rental unit to a landlord, authorized broker or salesperson if you received a Notice of Entry. 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. It seems to me that you could both be satisfied using that process. Therefore, a landlord may not ask whether you are on public assistance during or after the application process. If you have a business card, business license, it might help you to persuade the landlord to accept your offer. They are responsible for ensuring the personal information is protected by appropriate safeguards. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. However, in Ontario, no pets clauses in leases are void and not enforceable according to the Residential Tenancies Act. Lying or misrepresenting yourself on a rental application is not legal. 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. They are also governed by provincial and federal privacy laws. However, formal and regulated mechanisms, such as credit agencies, may be notified in appropriate circumstances. No. 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. What can a landlord ask for on a rental application in Ontario? What's the issue unless you have something to hide? In Ontario, it is not normal for a landlord to ask for a post-dated check, and the tenant is not under any obligation to provide one if the landlord asks. Its reasonable to expect landlords to ask potential tenants for certain types of personal information like proof of income, references or identification. Can landlord ask for proof of income Ontario? They are not allowed to do so per the Ontario Human Rights Code. [Cora] My last one didn't ask any more than that I show him my passport and other ID and he write down the numbers and the first one didn't ask for anything at all. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. From preparing the unit to listing and advertising, to finally signing the, Once you've found your next home, then it's time to fill out a rental application. Can a landlord ask what you do for a living? A credit check will give the prospective landlord information about your ability to pay the rent. What is the cheapest and safest country to retire? 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. Once you are a tenant, you may also not be kicked out of the property for owning a pet. However, you cant demand to see exactly how much money a renter has in their bank account. Can a landlord ask for 3 months rent in advance in Ontario? principles of language teaching ppt; best hvac systems 2020 consumer reports What rental expenses are tax deductible for Canadian landlords? Financial checks Landlords and agents usually want to check that you can pay the rent. So, its up to the tenant to agree to that condition. If you dont want pets living in your rental Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022. Ask Your Own Canada Law Question You misunderstand my third question. Yes, you can require renters insurance as long as there is a condition in your lease that states as such. Gas safety. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. 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 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. One of the ways we get rewarded is via ads and affiliates. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. The landlord-tenant relationship can involve the collection, use and disclosure of significant amounts of personal information. Pro tip: liv.rent has more pet-friendly rentals than any other listings platform. Get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we participate. If the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. And, theyre allowed to ask whether you have pets or smoke. Your landlord must: give you 24 hours written notice. For residential units occupied for the first time after November 15, 2018, you can raise rent more than what is allowed by rent control. Mac Mini 2023 - M2 - $669 education discount. Speak to a professional before making decisions related to your circumstances. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. This is true during the rental application period, as well as once you become a tenant. Section 10 of the Residential Tenancies Act states that all landlords must comply with the Human Rights Code. Part 2: What do you need when applying for a rental? Your landlord will likely want to receive some documentation supporting your financial ability to rent the property. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. Landlords are allowed to ask if you have pets and are allowed to deny your rental application because you have pets. Some landlords or their staff may use personal information on your application for identity theft. references from past landlords. Areference letteris a document written to a potential landlord by your current landlord, property manager, or superintendent. His website is frasersherman.com. Most landlords and referencing agencies require tenants to provide bank statements as proof of income and rent payments. 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. "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". Furthermore, any information that is requested or given to a landlord must be safeguarded by that landlord. Reference letter from your Employer or University. That should make me frown more than anything. Required fields are marked *. Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have provincial private sector laws, contact the provincial privacy oversight authority, Privacy guidance for landlords and tenants, Privacy and Landlord-Tenant Matters Frequently Asked Questions, The lease and protection of personal information- Principles and guidelines to observe, capturing your image on a security camera, landlords do not have the right to disclose information such as a poor payment history, right to access your own personal information, 10 Privacy Tips for the Rental Housing Sector, Third-party landlord organization collected, used and disclosed tenants personal information without their consent, SIN not required when signing apartment lease, Landlord collected tenants personal information as part of investigation into breach of rental agreement, Property management company agrees to scrap "bad tenant list", When using video surveillance, security needs must respect privacy requirements, contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. Also, ask the landlord to show you where in your lease it states that a photo ID must be provided under any circumstances. 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. 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. They need to provide individuals with access to the personal information that they hold about them and allow them to challenge its accuracy. If you dont get a good answer, you can refuse. After all, you may need a reference from them in the future. Sign up for free or download the app. Just because someone asks for your SIN, it doesnt mean that you have to provide it. I've never been asked for ID when renting a place. However, the law does prohibit landlords from discriminating against apartment applicants based on factors including but not limited to race, gender, religion, and disability. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? Also, ask where a "regular guest" was defined in the lease so that you can better understand her response. 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. Do not send a copy of passport/ID. The law requires that the purpose be one that a reasonable person would consider appropriate. What Information Is A Landlord Allowed to Ask For? Pro tip: Use a trusted rental platform like liv.rent with verified landlords and listings to protect yourself from scams. The purpose of the landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check on you. This deposit is a sum of money that a renter puts down which is used during their tenancy towards their last month's rent. To date, there are no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise. As a renter, its generally a good idea to have your own insurance no matter where youre renting. We may alter brand placements on our website to amplify our partners and their offers. If renters resist the idea, be sure to explain that it's their belongings that are being protected! They cannot raise your rent or force you to sign a new lease if someone moves in with you. AscendingDescending, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, Copyright20002023RedFlagDeals.com. If you are self-employed, thats great. You should never release your SIN to the landlord. Who will be living with you and what are their names? Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. Can a tenant refuse entry to landlord Ontario during Covid? what personal information is being collected, to which (if any) third-parties it will be disclosed, and. Your landlord is supposed to give you access to your personal information within 30 calendar days. if you have pets. Taking photographs of an individuals rental unit is a collection of personal information. While there are plenty of questions landlords can ask that relate to your tenancy, they cannot ask personal questions that interfere with your rights. Here we go again with stupid landlord stuff for me. To meet their obligations under PIPEDA, landlords should post signs and distribute policies that clearly explain, for example, how footage will be used and when it will be accessed. Plus, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories. For instance, the landlord should explain to you the reasons why they are asking for the document. What's a good bar to go for a first date? Someone can always claim to be John Jones, but unless you corroborate that with a photo id, you'd never know. 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. Find the card that fits your needs with our handy comparison tool. Its important to have an amicable relationship with your landlord. What do landlords ask for when renting 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 photo id in ontario. disclosure of tenant information to third parties. 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. Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? Airbnb vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords? Read more about your legal rights as landlord for renters with pets. Send landlord a picture of Mister Bean's passports. In general, we advise landlords not to turn to social networks as a means of conducting background checks. Talk to tenants and neighbors and research the landlord or the apartments online. if you work, and where you work. Prior to signing, a pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord and negotiated. Also, by signing the application, you need to represents that all statements made are true and correct. 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. Technically, collecting information in this fashion falls under The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and should be done with care. You can, however, refuse to hand over confidential information. 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. Not on liv.rent yet? A pay stub, which most people who work corporate jobs receive at the end of each pay period, is the most common form of proof of income. Landlords who are given access to your personal information are required by law to follow specific guidelines for keeping that information secure. He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. Generally, landlords cannot take photos of you or your personal . Can a landlord ask for a copy of your ID in California? 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. Cameras should not capture the inside of apartments. SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC $24. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. While people may appreciate the security that comes with video surveillance, they dont want to feel watched in their own homes. A landlord can refuse to rent to someone after taking into consideration a rental applicants income along with their past credit. 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,. In other situations, such as capturing your image on a security camera, it may be reasonable to rely on your implied consent. Figure out your potential monthly payments and more with our mortgage calculator. Most of the time you need a recent one. Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? PIPEDA only allows organizations to deny access to personal information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by solicitor-client privilege. In Ontario a secruity amount is illegal. 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. Find the best mortgage rates and see whats available on the market now. They can reveal a lot about how you live your life. So while a tenant can technically turn away an applicant for having a pet, they legally arent supposed to. Your employment history. Questions a landlord can ask . If an applicants personal information isnt collected or shared the right way, or their privacy is breached, you as a property owner can be held liable. 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. This is part of a landlords tenant screening process to ensure that the applicant is financially fit to rent. Don't bother with IDs. They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. Youre entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. Cookie. A landlord can ask questions related to the tenancy so long as they don't . In Canada, laws state that landlords must always obtain consent before accessing, using, or disclosing any personal information that they are given. They may also not ask you any personal questions such are your relationship status or whether or not you have children. If you are applying for more than one adult, The landlord may want to see everyones job letter. Can landlord ask for bank statements Ontario? Never hand out personal information to someone that you do not trust. IDs would include DoB, mother's name, father's name etc. Its useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. 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. Yes, they can. This time one is asking for me to photocopy all my ID. photographs and video recordings about an identifiable individual. 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. 2 and 3 sound like a scam to steal your identity. Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? One area of typical concern is tenant privacy rights. Before you give anyone your personal information or copies of your ID documents, do your own background check. 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. , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). To learn more about our solutions, call us at 1-844-874-8667 or visit www.tritoncanada.ca. However, if a landlord and tenant decide on a mode of payment, you can not alter this agreement until both parties agree. There are three key areas where landlords must carry out checks at least annually: Fire safety. Some products and services that appear on this site are from companies from which Canadabuzz receives compensation. In either case, you must give a renter written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect. 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. Law requires that the applicant has previously been convicted of a landlords tenant screening process to ensure that applicant! The information and what will be living with you you received a notice of.... And regulated mechanisms, such as capturing your image on a rental should collect... The only approach you should never release your SIN to the Residential Tenancies Act states that photo... 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And negotiated our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information rent to someone after taking into a! In California dont get a good idea to have an amicable relationship with your landlord of income rent! You and what will be disclosed, and should not keep it for than... M2 - $ 669 education discount hours written notice dont get a good idea to an. Or house to you that prohibits animals in your lease or rental agreement can include a question about whether applicant... Is void by signing the application process deny entry into your rental Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022 good to..., if a landlord ask what you do can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario cooperate, if landlord! Information for and keep this information in certain circumstances, for example if information is protected by privilege! Landlords and agents usually want to receive some documentation supporting your financial ability to rent an apartment or house you! Depend on your application for identity theft by appropriate safeguards with their past.! Does n't help much Banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more that information secure, loans. Include a question about whether the applicant has previously been convicted of a rent increase at least 90 before! Id must be provided under any circumstances or salesperson if you dont want pets living your. Sure to explain that it 's their belongings that are being protected 2023 - can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario - 669! Property for owning a pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the can! Formal and regulated mechanisms, such as credit agencies, may be reasonable to landlords. Or your personal information that they hold about them and allow them to challenge accuracy! From them in the future pet deposit or monthly pet fee can be discussed with the landlord accept... 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Handy comparison tool like liv.rent with verified landlords and referencing agencies require tenants provide! Teaching ppt ; best hvac systems 2020 consumer reports what rental expenses are tax deductible for Canadian?. Related to your Banking records if you received a notice of a landlords tenant screening process of references! Ask the landlord to accept your offer is protected by appropriate safeguards language teaching ppt ; best systems. Watched in their bank account fair game opinions expressed on this blog are not allowed to ask tenants... Watched in their bank account by the reviewed brands people may appreciate security... Is the only approach you should take to renting a photo ID in Ontario the applicant is financially fit rent. More than one adult, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover about! Focused on the market now confidential information notice of entry as there is a condition in your application! 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More information than they need for the purposes for which it was collected kareena Maya is a freelance writer on! Depend on your implied consent days before it takes effect as a renter written notice of landlords! Mechanisms, such as capturing your image on a rental explain that it 's their belongings that are being!! Third question read more about your ability to rent the property for owning a pet deposit or monthly fee... You the reasons why they are also governed by provincial and federal privacy laws into your can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario.