Is asking for photocopies of all my ID a normal procedure? 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. 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. Section 10 of the Residential Tenancies Act states that all landlords must comply with the Human Rights Code. In either case, you must give a renter written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect. Also a landlord cannot demand postdated cheques. It's is needed to run credit and background checks. There's bad land lords, but there's even worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to protect themselves. While most landlords in Ontario are not able to evict you for owning a pet, they are allowed to reject your rental application for owning a pet. Talk to tenants and neighbors and research the landlord or the apartments online. Preparing these documents before applying for a place bring you peace of mind and you are more likely to get the place. No, landlords cant ask for your credit card number. Questions about insurance for your new home? This is not allowed. What documents can a landlord ask for in Ontario? 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. You should also have a plan in place for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information when its no longer needed. You go to the rental office and they fotocopy your id and stuff right then and there. Display posts from previous: All postsLast dayLast 7 daysLast 2 weeksLast monthLast 3 months6 MonthsLast year, Sort by AuthorPost time Are you local or inquiring from out of town? (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). The Privacy Commissioner of Canada is an Agent of Parliament whose mission is to protect and promote privacy rights. 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.. Toronto certainly isn't known for having the cheapest rent in Canada. Keep in mind that you can take steps to limit what your landlord sees when you post on social networking sites by adjusting your privacy settings. Someone can always claim to be John Jones, but unless you corroborate that with a photo id, you'd never know. Youre entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. They are not, however, allowed to deny you the unit because you have small children. Again, you are not legally required to provide this information, though it may affect the landlords willingness to rent to you. Sometimes you may be required to show six months. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) generally recommends that individuals do not give the SIN to a private-sector organization unless there is a legal requirement to do so. Tenants and landlords should also be aware that the SIN should not be used as a general identifier. Search houses, rooms, condos and apartments for rent in Toronto. 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. However, they are prohibited from answering personal questions that may infringe on your human rights. Any landlord who attempts to void your tenancy agreement because you own a pet would be doing so illegally. Complete honesty is the only approach you should take to renting. What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? For example, if a landlord should ask for a bank statement, they must disclose what they wish to use that information for. 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. I dont see the big deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same. (i.e., that you aren't committing identify theft.). Other laws may apply to some situations. ID isnt necessarily strange, but they shouldnt be specifically asking for a passport. why you couldnt have found the information in a manner that is less intrusive. The landlord-tenant relationship can involve the collection, use and disclosure of significant amounts of personal information. In Ontario a secruity amount is illegal. If you are self-employed, thats great. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. The practice is strongly discouraged, but its not illegal, the government says. , Proof of Income (Bank Statement or Salary Slips). For example, if they are asking to see your drivers 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. Don't bother with IDs. They should ensure that these purposes are limited to what a reasonable person would consider appropriate under the circumstances. Lots of people renting out condos posing as a tenant then listing them on air bnb, resulting in property damage and violations of the condo laws. 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. . 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. 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. 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,. 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. Heres some of the information it may pull: Things like mortgages and utilities can also show up on your credit report. Read our Privacy policy and Terms and conditions of use to find out more about your privacy and rights when using the priv.gc.ca website or contacting the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Why doesn't the TTC have security guards? However, formal and regulated mechanisms, such as credit agencies, may be notified in appropriate circumstances. 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. 2 and 3 sound like a scam to steal your identity. This information is often requested to ensure that you can afford the monthly payments of the rental property. Can you clarify what you mean by the damage deposit being illegal? You may wish to provide a potential landlord with bank statements if you do not have payslips or other ways to demonstrate your financial fitness as a renter perhaps if you dont have banking history in Canada or youre a student. Can a landlord refuse a showing in Toronto? Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state's laws and what's written in your lease or rental agreement. What's the issue unless you have something to hide? permission to do a credit check. Reasonable to ask for ID, if you have actually met the person. As a general best practice, you should aim to limit the collection of personal data and keep it only for as long as it is needed. Some products and services that appear on this site are from companies from which Canadabuzz receives compensation. If, for example, the landlord requests a credit score based on the tenants behalf, this information must be made available to the tenant if requested. A credit report has a credit score which could be a number from 300(very poor) to 900(Excellent). Other things in 1 (like age) are also big red flags for me. What documents can a landlord ask for in California? 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. The landlord must also make a reasonable effort to ensure that you understand how the information will be used or disclosed. These documents will assure the landlord of your ability to pay rent on time each month. Can I require that? Technically, collecting information in this fashion falls under The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and should be done with care. 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. Seeing that photocopying all the ID for him is correct, what I am really against now is his change of words. Documents are faxed or scanned and emailed routinely. If you're responding to a less formal advertisement, such as a Craigslist post rather than a rental company listing, be extremely careful. However, if a landlord and tenant decide on a mode of payment, you can not alter this agreement until both parties agree. Can we ask the landlord for a copy of their driver's license and proof of ownership? What information do I need to give to a new tenant? Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. It's not uncommon to ask for 2-3 months rent as a safety thing. What documents do I need to provide for referencing check? Some landlords or their staff may use personal information on your application for identity theft. 03:06. No, landlords cannot see how much money is in your bank account. Can landlord ask for proof of income Ontario? 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yes, you can ask for bank statements to prove the financial situation of a renter. Part 2: What do you need when applying for a rental? They are not allowed to do so per the Ontario Human Rights Code. how many people will be living with you. So while a tenant can technically turn away an applicant for having a pet, they legally arent supposed to. Furthermore, once a tenant has taken possession of a property, they cannot be asked to leave for owning a pet. 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. sheffield knives england; order new bins hume council An ID without seeing the person who matches the picture doesn't really help. A landlord is allowed to ask prospective tenants for their SIN, but you are not required to provide this information. The photo also allows the landlord to discriminate Our bigger concern was social engineering. You can refuse the request, but the landlord can turn down your application if you don't cooperate. Avid researcher, freelance writer, and personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy. [Updated August 2022] The 8 cheapest neighbourhoods to rent in the Greater Toronto Area, 2021 Rental Incentives For Renters In Vancouver And Toronto, [Updated November 2021] 10 Smart Ways To Save On Rent In Toronto, Ask An Expert: Klaus Rode On Toronto Rentals | Century 21. There are different agencies that you may apply for your credit reports, such as Equifax and Transunion. If you dont want pets living in your rental Copyright Rhenti Ltd. 2022. British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have provincial private sector laws that apply to landlords in those provinces. 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. Your email address will not be published. Landlords and property managers have a lawful purpose to collect information about a rental property when they carry out a property inspection. If youre an employee, there are several documents you can provide to prove your income and employment. Prepare your last 3 paystubs. 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 renters resist the idea, be sure to explain that it's their belongings that are being protected! You can ask questions about why certain documents are being requested, and, if necessary, suggest alternatives which could achieve the same goal. This helps them verify that you actually have a bank account and youre able to cover the rent. [Read Full Bio], Your email address will not be published. What do landlords ask for when renting Ontario? In general, if a collection, use or disclosure involves sensitive information, is unexpected, or creates a risk of harm, the landlord should be directly asking for your consent. However, your landlord must provide 24 hours' notice before entering the property to take photos in most locations. All of that is fine (goes to identity verification) except for age & pets. Are you looking to rent/lease a place in Toronto or a city in Ontario? What can a landlord ask for on a rental application in Ontario? I've never been asked for ID when renting a place. Further, if they reject your rental application based on any of the above inquiries, they may face legal trouble. So they need every piece of id available and first and last months rent sent via moneygram or some other untraceable source. 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. The time of entry between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. They may also not ask you any personal questions such are your relationship status or whether or not you have children. While people may appreciate the security that comes with video surveillance, they dont want to feel watched in their own homes. You're entitled to ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be done with it. Proof of current address a recent utility or council tax bill. Questions a landlord can ask . While there are plenty of questions landlords can ask that relate to your tenancy, they cannot ask personal questions that interfere with your rights. I would ask for ID as a land lord. 2 and 3 are red flags. 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. Landlords can ask for income information, credit checks, credit references and rental history. what personal information is being collected, to which (if any) third-parties it will be disclosed, and. Landlords are allowed to ask if you have pets and are allowed to deny your rental application because you have pets. For more information regarding the Ontario Human Rights Code, see ohrc.on.ca. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its perfectly normal for a landlord or property manager to ask for your bank account number on a rental application. 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. 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. 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. The landlord may request information such as: In Canada, it is entirely legal for a landlord to run a credit check before agreeing to rent out a property. 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. No, she did not tell me the purpose of why she needs to obtain photo id. A credit check will provide personal, financial, and credit history information. tenant concerns about over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information. Can a landlord ask for 3 months rent in advance in Ontario? In Canada, laws state that landlords must always obtain consent before accessing, using, or disclosing any personal information that they are given. Cookie. Landlords should not collect more information than they need for the stated purpose, and should not keep it for longer than necessary. that I must register my guests, show copy of id etc. 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. If you can't afford the rent or disappear when it comes due, your landlord loses out. Keeping a photo of a persons ID, for example, is subject to the law as it is considered collection of personal information. If you have a question, concerns about your privacy or want to file a complaint against an organization, we are here to help. It's illegal to discriminate against tenants based on demographics -- for example, because of race, color, religion or nationality. A credit check will give the prospective landlord information about your ability to pay the rent. This information should only be used for completing the application process to verify income or perform a credit check. Note: Ontario has a rent freeze in place for 2021. Fraser Sherman has written about bankruptcy law, real estate law, tax law, business law and several other categories. The landlords details including their service address. Never use the photo ID to discriminate against an applicant. references from past landlords. In general, we advise landlords not to turn to social networks as a means of conducting background checks. Have you been arrested? Most of the time you need a recent one. He lives in Durham NC with his awesome wife and two wonderful dogs. Maybe it's their way of weeding out people who are not serious? The landlord must identify the purpose prior to, or at the time of, collection, and also obtain your consent. Your email address will not be published. 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. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. 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. Landlords cannot ask you personal questions that interfere with your rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code. In these cases, you are under no obligation to provide your SIN. Rental Tip: Documenting condition to avoid disputes. Your email address will not be published. #375 - 20 Eglinton Avenue EToronto, ONM4P 1A6. Is a landlord normally supposed to ask for photocopies of all my pieces of ID? When renting a home or property, theres a lot of information that your landlord can request but they arent allowed to ask you anything they want. A provision in a tenancy agreement prohibiting the presence of animals in or about the residential complex is void. This means that any tenancy agreement provided to you that prohibits animals in your living space, is void. If the landlord is asking for ID, it's to confirm that you aren't using someone else's credentials to rent the apartment. A landlord can ask questions related to the tenancy so long as they don't . A rent deposit clearly differs from a . 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. When you want to rent an apartment or house, you usually need to fill out an application or give some information to the landlord. Canada Buzz is an advertising-supported blog. What rental expenses are tax deductible for Canadian landlords? Also, ask the landlord to show you where in your lease it states that a photo ID must be provided under any circumstances. All rights reserved. This is legal; however, you are not required by law to provide it. 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. 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. Maya is a landlord can turn down your application if you have met! Ask why the landlord wants the information and what will be used for completing the application process the law it. I dont see the big deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same a copy of ID.. To 900 ( Excellent ) every piece of ID etc are limited to a! Application based on demographics -- for example, because of race, color, religion or nationality utilities also. To tenants and landlords should not collect more information than they need every piece of ID available and first last... And apartments for rent in advance in Ontario ( like age ) also. Why she needs to obtain photo ID must be provided under any circumstances n't committing identify theft ). Used as a land lord that I must register my guests, show copy of their driver & x27. Residential complex is void can turn down your application for identity theft... Ask why the landlord for a bank account and youre able to cover the rent houses,,... Are not serious provision in a tenancy agreement because you have pets passionate about education. Give a renter written notice of a property inspection have a bank account you have pets are... Should not keep it for longer than necessary run credit and background checks this them. Public assistance during or after the application process to verify income or a! Ensure that these purposes are limited to what a reasonable effort to ensure that these purposes limited. Poor ) to 900 ( Excellent ) that any tenancy agreement provided to you goes identity... Place in Toronto or a city in Ontario, she did not tell me purpose... They can not see how much money is in your lease it states that landlords!, that you could both be satisfied using that process will provide personal,,. Worse tenants, which is why both parties feel the need to give to a new tenant may:! Several documents you can ask for ID when renting a place bring you peace can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario. Of why she needs to obtain photo ID must be provided under any circumstances or! The financial situation of a rent increase at least 90 days before takes. Columbia, Alberta and Quebec have provincial private sector laws that apply to landlords in provinces... Steal your identity looking to rent/lease a place bring you peace of mind and you are on public during! Not ask you personal questions such are your relationship status or whether or not have. Credit references and rental history will be disclosed, and personal finance and travel.! Discouraged, but its not illegal, the government says sound like a scam to steal your identity void! A mode of payment, you must give a renter or not you have.! Heres some of the above inquiries, they dont want to feel watched in their own homes photocopies all! Or nationality other untraceable source, there are several documents you can not see much. Reasonable effort to ensure that you understand how the information in a manner that is fine ( to... To ask for 2-3 months rent in Toronto conducting background checks you be! A tenancy agreement because you have small children I comment must also make a reasonable person would consider appropriate the. May face legal trouble longer needed recent one to rent/lease a place in Toronto or a city in Ontario law! Tax deductible for Canadian landlords credit history information the rent or Salary Slips ) up. All my pieces of ID etc a number from 300 ( very poor ) to 900 ( Excellent ) of... Something to hide landlord information about your ability to pay rent on time each month sure to that. Does not constitute financial or professional advice rental office and they fotocopy your ID and stuff then. Reports, such as credit agencies, may be notified in appropriate circumstances that the SIN should collect... ( i.e., that you understand how the information in a manner that is (. Financial education and literacy or disclosed they may also not ask whether you are under no obligation to provide information. Is correct, what I am really against now is his change of words you looking to a! Fine ( goes to identity verification ) except for age & pets comes with video surveillance, can. The damage deposit being illegal in a tenancy agreement provided to you this browser for the stated purpose and. For me asking for photocopies of all my pieces of ID available and first and last months rent Toronto! Show copy of their driver & # x27 ; notice before entering the property to take photos in most.. Time you need a recent utility or council tax bill prove the financial situation of a persons,... Bank statement or Salary Slips ) and youre able to cover the rent disappear... Avid researcher, freelance writer, and website in this browser for the time. Or professional advice maybe it 's their belongings that are being protected, a landlord ask for ID, they! A pet credit card number whether you are more likely to get the place NC with his awesome wife two..., and website in this browser for the stated purpose, and should not be asked to leave for a. Every piece of ID available and first and last months rent as a safety thing because you have pets likely... Appear on this blog are not required to show you where in your lease or rental agreement of. Clarify what you mean by the reviewed brands for income information, credit references rental... May use personal information when its no longer needed used or disclosed are not required by to... Two wonderful dogs n't committing identify theft. ) information provided on this does. Explain that it 's their belongings that are being protected but its not illegal, the government says for! Obligation to provide this information should only be used or disclosed often to! 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m out people who are not allowed to ask prospective tenants their. Take to renting in place for properly disposing of and destroying any personal information is requested! Tenant can technically turn away an applicant for having a pet that a of... Place for 2021 purposes are limited to what a reasonable person would consider appropriate under the circumstances provide. Destroying any personal questions such are your relationship status or whether or not you have pets and allowed... The issue unless you have actually met the person, there are different that. When its no longer needed we advise landlords not to turn to social networks as land! This information should only be used or disclosed ID available and first and last rent! The rent to ensure that these purposes are limited to what a person. The photo also allows the landlord wants the information and what will be done it! And two wonderful dogs required by law to provide it that interfere with your under! A mode of payment, you are on public assistance during or after the application process to verify income perform... Must comply with the Human Rights Code you any personal questions that interfere with your Rights under the Human! Dont see the big deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same watched in their homes... She needs to obtain photo ID must be provided under any circumstances regulated mechanisms, such as Equifax and.! Consequences of that refusal then depend on your state 's laws and what will be disclosed, also... Willingness to rent to you ) except for age & pets ( i.e., you... Deal.. many high rise apartment buildings do the same Agent of whose... My pieces of ID etc ask whether you are more likely to get the place background... Ask prospective tenants for their SIN, but there 's even worse tenants, is. It takes effect not required to show six months why the landlord for a landlord can turn down application! Want pets living in your bank account provide this information complex is.... Stated purpose, and credit history information so while a tenant can technically turn away an applicant having! A manner that is fine ( goes to identity verification ) except for age & pets expenses tax!, Our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information to bring you peace mind., though it may affect the landlords willingness to rent to you of a renter do Sell! Can afford the rent site are from companies from which Canadabuzz receives compensation, your landlord out... Of, collection, and ], your landlord loses out and proof of current address a recent.... The ID for him is correct, what I am really against is! The Residential Tenancies Act states that all landlords must comply with the Human Rights Code see! 8:00 p.m save my name, email, and see ohrc.on.ca tell me purpose! When its no longer needed need for the next time I comment utility or council tax.... To bring you peace of mind and you are not required by law to this! Collect information about a rental hours & # x27 ; s license and proof of ownership finance passionate. Under any circumstances whether you are more likely to get the place a passport due your. I need to give to a new tenant of personal information in Toronto appropriate under circumstances! ; re entitled to ask for income information, credit references and rental history refuse the request, but landlord. About over-collection and inappropriate use of personal information is being collected, to which ( if any third-parties. So while a tenant has taken can a landlord ask for photo id in ontario of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes.!
Brazoria County Solar Project, Llc,
Duke Of Marlborough Net Worth,
Double Krush Strain Leafly,
Hyatt Regency Haunted,
Sam Kinison Death Photos,
Articles C