In Ontario, landlords are not legally allowed to ask for a tenant’s bank account number. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords can only ask for certain information from potential tenants, such as references, credit checks, and employment verification. Asking for a bank account number is considered an invasion of privacy and is not required for a rental application.
FAQs about landlords asking for personal information in Ontario:
1. Can a landlord request my Social Insurance Number?
No, landlords in Ontario are not allowed to ask for a tenant’s Social Insurance Number unless it is required for a credit check with the tenant’s explicit consent.
2. Can a landlord ask for a copy of my ID?
Yes, landlords in Ontario can request a copy of a tenant’s ID to verify their identity and ensure they are legally allowed to rent in Canada.
3. Can a landlord ask for my credit card information?
No, landlords in Ontario cannot ask for a tenant’s credit card information as it is not necessary for a rental application and could lead to potential fraud.
4. Can a landlord ask for my bank statements?
Landlords in Ontario are not legally allowed to ask for a tenant’s bank statements as it is considered an invasion of privacy and not necessary for a rental application.
5. Can a landlord request information about my income?
Yes, landlords in Ontario can ask for information about a tenant’s income to ensure they can afford the rent, but they are not allowed to discriminate based on the source of income.
6. Can a landlord ask for references from previous landlords?
Yes, landlords in Ontario can ask for references from previous landlords to verify a tenant’s rental history and behavior.
7. Can a landlord ask for a guarantor for rent payments?
Yes, landlords in Ontario can request a guarantor if they are unsure about a tenant’s ability to pay rent, but they must follow specific legal procedures.
8. Can a landlord ask for a criminal record check?
No, landlords in Ontario are not allowed to ask for a tenant’s criminal record check as it is considered discrimination and invasion of privacy.
9. Can a landlord ask for a deposit before signing a lease?
Yes, landlords in Ontario can ask for a deposit before signing a lease, but it is limited to the amount of one month’s rent and must be held in a separate account.
10. Can a landlord ask for medical information?
No, landlords in Ontario are not allowed to ask for a tenant’s medical information as it is considered a violation of privacy and discrimination.
11. Can a landlord ask for a copy of my lease agreement with a previous landlord?
No, landlords in Ontario cannot ask for a copy of a tenant’s lease agreement with a previous landlord as it is not relevant to the current rental application.
12. Can a landlord ask for a pet deposit?
Yes, landlords in Ontario can ask for a pet deposit if they allow pets in the rental property, but the amount must be reasonable and follow the rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act.