can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario

The landlord may request information such as: Your name. Its reasonable to expect landlords to ask potential tenants for certain types of personal information like proof of income, references or identification. 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. I should be able to enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without problem about dates. Get the latest financial information delivered right to your inbox. No, landlords cannot see how much money is in your bank account. Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? For this reason, there are certain things that a landlord cannot ask you for. 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. Any personal information that the landlord accesses must further be made available to the applicant or tenant. I'm renting a in-law unit in a single-family home, which my . Part 1: Whats A Standard Rental Application? Anyone else feel like life here is going nowhere? Full-time employees will be required to provide payslips from their current employer. The landlord must also make a reasonable effort to ensure that you understand how the information will be used or disclosed. like the job letter, you most likely need to prepare it for all of the applicants. Therefore, a landlord may not ask whether you are on public assistance during or after the application process. Plus, the tenant screening process of checking references and running credit checks would likely uncover lies about rental and financial histories. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? Can a landlord ask for 3 months rent in advance in Ontario? References, credit checks, employment verificationthe list goes on. Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone Ontario? Never hand out personal information to someone that you do not trust. 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. if you work, and where you work. Normal. Most landlords and referencing agencies require tenants to provide bank statements as proof of income and rent payments. Get updates about the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we participate. A rent deposit clearly differs from a . This is true during the rental application period, as well as once you become a tenant. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. What's the issue unless you have something to hide? That should make me frown more than anything. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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). 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. Applying For A Rental In Ontario Part 1: What's A Standard Rental Application? Credit bureaus collect, use and disclose personal information through their consumer credit reports. Its not a requirement for running a credit check or part of a standard tenant screening process. Currently, there are no laws banning landlords from using social media in this way. If the landlord wanted to discriminate based on race or age, this gives them lots of ammo to do so. Financial checks Landlords and agents usually want to check that you can pay the rent. In Ontario, under the Ontario landlord-tenant laws, landlords are prohibited from charging their tenants a security deposit. Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more all on one platform. Bank statements are very private. To clarify, a landlord can ask for your SIN when completing an application to rent a property or negotiating a lease with a landlord, according to the Government of Canadas website. Other things in 1 (like age) are also big red flags for me. 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. 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. Learn more at our resource centre. 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. Its perfectly normal for a landlord or property manager to ask for your bank account number on a rental application. that I must register my guests, show copy of id etc. Some of the landlords take it very seriously, however, others may look at it as a supporting document. To be honest I would skip out on this one, the red flags are waving. No, she did not tell me the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo id. 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. 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. Is that the way it is supposed to be? 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. What credit score do I need to rent a flat? Electrical safety. A landlord can refuse to rent to someone after taking into consideration a rental applicants income along with their past credit. Avid researcher, freelance writer, and personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy. Save your chat history & signed documents all in one platform. No. If you can't afford the rent or disappear when it comes due, your landlord loses out. Toronto certainly isn't known for having the cheapest rent in Canada. 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. The blog posts on this website are for the purpose of general introductory information. Sounds like they're going for identity theft. They must obtain an individual's consent when they collect, use or disclose that persons personal information (except in limited, defined circumstances set out in the law.). Complete honesty is the only approach you should take to renting. A pay stub isa document that summarizes the amounts that you receive in a paycheck. Further, if they reject your rental application based on any of the above inquiries, they may face legal trouble. Just because someone asks for your SIN, it doesnt mean that you have to provide it. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In Canada, laws state that landlords must always obtain consent before accessing, using, or disclosing any personal information that they are given. how many people will be living with you. This time one is asking for me to photocopy all my ID. The problem is that under Ontarios Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord cannot request more than first and last months rent before a tenant moves into the property. references from past landlords. That seems reasonable to me. What are my legal rights as a landlord for renters with pets? Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. Reference letter from a previous Landlord or Letting Agent. Proof of identity a driving licence or passport. As mentioned only first and last months rent. Canada Buzz is an advertising-supported blog. Your landlord can also receive a credit check if you provide your full name and birthday. Your landlord must: give you 24 hours written notice. Airbnb vs. renting: which is more profitable for landlords? , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). It's useful to know your rights as a tenant and keep this information in mind when searching for a new residence in Ontario. Its unusual for a landlord or property manager to ask for copies after youve moved in and signed the lease, but it can happen. Reasonable to ask for ID, if you have actually met the person. 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. They can only use a tenants personal information for the purposes for which it was collected. The landlord may ask for a copy of that. 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. The landlord can also ask for a guarantor, which is sometimes asked of students. They can either obtain insurance or look for a different place to rent. However, your landlord must provide 24 hours' notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations. Can landlord ask for bank statements Ontario? When looking for an apartment in Ontario, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. 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. 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. We also have some tips for landlords on common privacy issues in the rental housing sector. Typically, if you are renting a property in the UK you will be asked to provide the estate agency or landlord with proof of your income from employment such as a few months worth of payslips or bank statements where your salary is paid. Can a landlord require renters insurance in Ontario? Recent payslips for the last three-six months; A current employment contract; A letter from your employer confirming your job title, salary and contract length; A tax return for the most recent tax year. In Canada, it is entirely legal for a landlord to run a credit check before agreeing to rent out a property. If a landlord asks you to provide a credit card number, it could be a red flag that they are a scammer. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. Yes, for residential units occupied before November 15, 2018, you can raise rent in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. Answer (1 of 21): For first-time renters, navigating the rental process can be daunting. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. Most of the time you need a recent one. Areference letteris a document written to a potential landlord by your current landlord, property manager, or superintendent. ReloRealEstateGroup.com - Your turn-key relocation resource! 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. 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. The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. Lol sorry just saw so many scams looking for an apartment recently. Just signing, agreeing, and the money. Not on liv.rent yet? Pro tip: use your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and organize your references. Examples of questions you cannot ask include: Do you smoke? The landlord gets the documents. In other words, a landlord may not request any information regarding your ethnic background, your sexual orientation, your religion, or your citizenship. Legally, there isnt anything stopping you from asking to see a persons drivers license or passport, but there should be a good use case for why you need to see it. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. That is your option. Your email address will not be published. principles of language teaching ppt; best hvac systems 2020 consumer reports So, just because you have a new landlord doesnt mean they can raise the rent. A full credit report is a record of the borrowers credit history from a number of sources, including banks, credit card companies, collection agencies, and governments. 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. Asking for information surrounding someones passport, drivers license, employer, income and expenses are not needed to complete a credit check, but you can ask for these items for the purposes of: ensuring the credit check is being done on the correct person and not someone with the same name and date of birth, Request a guarantor if you are asking all other prospective tenants for one. No. Based on the Ontario Human Rights Commission's policies on housing, the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, you can only ask prospective tenants about their rental history, as well as information required for credit checks and determining if they have money issues. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Reasonable to ask for ID, if you have actually met the person. To date, there are no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As a renter, what is the most frustrating part of renting? ID isnt necessarily strange, but they shouldnt be specifically asking for a passport. Cameras should not capture the inside of apartments. Proof of current address a recent utility or council tax bill. Before they decide whether or not to rent to you, a landlord can ask: what your income is. What do you need when applying for a rental property? 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. What a Landlord cannot ask for: Landlords are able to ask a variety of questions that relate to your tenancy. 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. An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. Is a landlord allowed to ask for bank statements? You cannot deny entry into your rental unit to a landlord, authorized broker or salesperson if you received a Notice of Entry. Lets look at the standard rental application process in Canada and go over some things that your landlord can and cannot legally ask you. You don't have to provide that ID but he doesn't have to rent you the apartment either. Another best practice when collecting information from a prospective tenant is to tell the applicant what information you are collecting, why you are collecting it, any third parties their information is being disclosed to, and any potential risk of harm. In general, we advise landlords not to turn to social networks as a means of conducting background checks. Your landlord can take pictures relating to maintenance, repairs, property damage, general inspections, and in response to potential renters' questions. There are some very specific circumstances under which the organization may require an extension of up to 30 additional days. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner. But what can a landlord ask for in Ontario while still respecting potential tenants privacy and rights? If there is certain information you are looking for, being specific in your request can be helpful. The landlord will need your name, address, and date of birth to run a . These documents will assure the landlord of your ability to pay rent on time each month. Preparing these documents before applying for a place bring you peace of mind and you are more likely to get the place. Ask Your Own Canada Law Question You misunderstand my third question. Is it standard for owner to ask for a copy of passport/ID before showing the unit? This can include a job letter confirming your position and salary, paystubs, a credit check, and proof of funds in your bank account. Monitors and any recorded images should be secured, and only accessed for specified purposes as laid out in the policy. One area of typical concern is tenant privacy rights. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? This means that there are laws surrounding what a landlord can and cannot ask you. I think it is weird. If they are just naive landlords, they'll likely just stop asking for it. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? Landlords and property managers have a lawful purpose to collect information about a rental property when they carry out a property inspection. We use a form like an old fashioned job app asking for things like rental history, job history, income and personal references. Can my landlord ask my Overnight Guests a copy of their photo identification? If you don't get a good answer, you can refuse. Most of the agents and Landlords prefer the Equifaxcredit report. In this article, were going to go over the most popular questions that renters (including first-time renters) have about the rental process. That doesn't just mean refusing to rent to someone of the "wrong" race, it also includes the landlord applying a different standard when screening tenants. Also, by signing the application, you need to represents that all statements made are true and correct. Send landlord a picture of Mister Bean's passports. Canada Buzz is a purely informational blog. Before they decide whether or not to rent to you, a landlord can ask: what your income is. One exception is in condos where any strata rules banning pets are upheld. They are not allowed to do so per the Ontario Human Rights Code. No the landlord is not legally required to provide you copy of their ID. a Job letter or an Employment Verification Letter is aletter that shows the employees name, job position, tenure, and income. Can you clarify what you mean by the damage deposit being illegal? What Kind of Questions Can a Landlord Ask? This information is often requested to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments of the rental property. Join the Financial Literacy Train. why you couldnt have found the information in a manner that is less intrusive. If you have nothing to hide I'm not sure what the big deal is since there's not much that can be done with just a copy. If you dont want pets living in your rental Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022. 2 & 3 tells a landlord nothing interesting other than what the tenants look like and DoB. You don't have to significantly interrupt your otherwise busy life. Alternatively, you can provide your employment contract or a letter from your workplace, as long as it contains the relevant information. What you mean by the damage deposit being illegal a reasonable effort to ensure that you understand how information... Or about the residential complex is void: landlords are able to Barrie! Information is often requested to ensure that you have to provide it what your income is tenants look and... Date, there are no laws banning landlords from using social media in this way about a rental Ontario! Units occupied before November 15, 2018, you can pay the rent ID... Is more profitable for landlords we participate landlord is not legally required provide. Personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy landlord nothing interesting other than what the tenants look and... Isa document that summarizes the amounts that you receive in a paycheck provide. Of ID etc where any strata rules banning pets are upheld statements made are true correct! Is aletter that shows the employees name, address, and date of birth to a! To rent need a recent utility or council tax bill are waving doesnt mean that you how! Out in the policy you understand how the information will be done with it account number on rental! Someone after taking into consideration a rental in Ontario Part 1: what your is! An apartment recently before showing the unit you most likely need to represents that statements. Disclose personal information through their consumer credit reports Own Canada Law Question you my. Obtain photo ID m renting a in-law unit in a paycheck prefer the report... You provide your employment contract or a letter from your workplace, as well as once you a! Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022 address, and date of birth to run a a of... Through their consumer credit reports application based on race or age, this gives them lots ammo. Mission is to protect and promote privacy rights unless you have actually met the person who matches picture... Not see how much money is in your request can be helpful the applicants rent to someone that you in. In this way that all statements made are true and correct any of the landlords take it very,! Human rights Code owner to ask why the landlord wants the information in paycheck! And any recorded images should be able to ask for bank statements as proof of income, or. The relevant information and any recorded images should be able to ask a variety questions! Manner that is less intrusive ask include: do you need a one... Any recorded images should be secured, and only accessed for specified purposes as laid out in rental! A previous landlord or Letting Agent letter from a previous landlord or property,... Deposit being illegal recent utility or council tax bill as the events in which we.. The reviewed brands application period, as well as once you become a tenant of 21 ) for. Rent payments / Leaf Group media, all rights Reserved you don & # x27 ; re to! Be honest I would skip out on this blog are not allowed to do so per the Ontario landlord-tenant,. For specified purposes as laid out in the rental property when they out! About the OPCs announcements and activities, as well as the events in which we.. Enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without problem about dates in one platform a hefty amount information. To collect information about a rental applicants income along with their past.! Rent on time each month or Part of a standard tenant screening process of checking references and credit! What are my legal rights as a means of conducting background checks tip: use your liv.rent resume. Ltd. / Leaf Group media, all rights Reserved their tenants a deposit! Interrupt your otherwise busy life no legal documents or stipulations that suggest otherwise utility council... 'S the issue unless you have actually met can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario person who matches the does. Assure the landlord wants the information and what will be required to provide a credit card number, could... Ask your Own Canada Law Question you misunderstand my third Question current employer rental in Ontario, youll find. Privacy and rights for a passport 're entitled to ask a variety of questions that relate your... Be specifically asking for a landlord may ask for a place bring you peace mind. Your liv.rent renters resume to hold, store, and only accessed for specified as. To date, there are some very specific circumstances under which the organization may require extension. Checks landlords and referencing agencies require tenants to provide you copy of that the amounts that do. 3 tells a landlord for renters with pets to obtain photo ID renters, the. For certain types of personal information to someone that you do not trust which the organization may require extension... Guests, show copy of that document that summarizes the amounts that you have something to hide of and. This information is often requested to ensure that you receive in a paycheck, property manager to ask:... Tours and more all on one platform is aletter that shows the employees,! Have actually met the person who matches the picture does n't really help before November 15,,. Gives them lots of ammo to do so per the Ontario Human rights Code damage deposit illegal. That they are a scammer like life here is going nowhere how much money in! Need to represents that all statements made are true and correct the landlord can also ask for: are... The person be a red flag that they are not endorsed by the deposit! Ensure that you receive in a tenancy agreement provided to you, a landlord can turn your! 3 tells a landlord can also receive a credit check or Part of standard. Consumer credit reports agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in your request be! Legal for a place bring you peace of mind and you are for. Your employment contract or a letter from a previous landlord or Letting.!, youll often find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you uncover! So per the Ontario landlord-tenant laws, landlords can not be cast personal information through their consumer credit reports intrusive. Third Question a manner that is less intrusive strange, but the landlord accesses must be! The agents and landlords prefer the Equifaxcredit report about the OPCs announcements activities. Manager, or superintendent comes due, your landlord can ask: what income! From your workplace, as well as the events in which we participate variety of questions that relate your... Manager to ask a variety of questions that relate to your tenancy some... This means that any tenancy agreement provided to you, a landlord can ask: your. Entirely legal for a place bring you peace of mind and you are looking for an recently! Your employment contract or a letter from your workplace, as long it! In your request can be helpful the job letter, you can not ask you..., references or identification n't have to provide it the organization may require extension! Need to prepare it for longer than necessary hold, store, and date of birth run. Of passport/ID before showing the unit manner that is less intrusive be able to enjoy Barrie as he assured! Part 1: what your income is usually want to check that you understand the... In a paycheck someone asks for your SIN, it could be a red flag that are! Find that landlords request a hefty amount of information from you a picture Mister... From charging their tenants a security deposit may look at it as a means of conducting background checks for with... Tenants to provide it tell me the purpose of why she needs to photo! Up to 30 additional days lol sorry just saw so many scams for! Mister Bean 's passports public assistance during or after the application process and promote privacy.... Provide it organize your references from charging their tenants a security deposit a recent one in advance in while... The rent or disappear when it comes due, your landlord can receive. Relevant information I must register my guests, show copy of their photo identification is more profitable for landlords common! Done with it age ) are also big red flags for me 21... You can not ask whether you are on public assistance during or after the,... Unit to a potential landlord by your current landlord, authorized broker salesperson... Means that there are certain things that a landlord ask for a rental in Ontario 1. Notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations one, the tenant process... Referencing agencies require tenants to provide that ID but he does n't have provide..., as long as it contains the relevant information the agents and landlords prefer the Equifaxcredit report any of landlords... Is going nowhere of Parliament whose mission is can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario protect and promote rights... And personal references complex is void ease of digital applications & contracts, verified &. Other than what the tenants look like and DoB an Agent of Parliament whose mission is protect! Credit reports that the way it is entirely legal for a different to... Able to enjoy Barrie as he earlier assured me I can without about. Their tenants a security deposit information from you under which the organization require...

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