Applying for an apartment: information required by the landlord

To determine if the tenant is able to pay rent on an on-going basis, most landlords require tenants to provide information about their:

• finances,
• employment,
• credit history
• previous residence, and
• criminal history.

A landlord may also require tenants to give references or even have someone else co-sign the lease as a security measure.

Landlords may also conduct a credit check on applicants (with the applicant’s consent). For more information, see our answer Credit checks on residential applicants.

It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate

Although the law allows landlords to assess potential tenants on their ability to pay rent, it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against tenants on personal characteristics set out by the Ontario Human Rights Code. It is illegal to discriminate against tenants who have children, or who are pregnant, or against tenants based on marital status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or language.

If a landlord refuses to rent to someone for any of these reasons, the tenant can call the Ontario Human Rights Commission to determine their rights. More information about tenancies in Ontario can also be found from the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Help for Tenants

A criminal record will affect your ability to be approved for a residential lease. To erase your criminal record, learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

If you are having financial problems, it may be difficult to rent an apartment or condominium. You can get help to clear your debt and repair your credit. For easy-to-understand debt solutions on your terms, contact our preferred experts 4Pillars and rebuild your financial future. With 60 locations across Canada, they will help you design a debt repayment plan and guide you with compassionate advice. No judgment. For help, visit 4Pillars or call toll-free 1-844-888-0442 .

If you are a Tenant, you can add your monthly rent payment to your credit report using FrontLobby. This can:

• Contribute to improving your credit score (Renters have reported 33pts to 84pts jumps)
• Help establish a positive credit history with a new rent tradeline
• Improve your access to credit related rewards (better bank loans, credit cards, mortgage rates)

Help for Landlords & Property Managers

For legal advice and assistance with a residential tenancy and applications to the Landlord and Tenant Board, contact our preferred Landlord and Tenant experts Nicola (Nick) Giannantonio Legal Services .

If you are a Landlord or Property Manager, you can report rent payments to Credit Bureaus and screen Tenants using FrontLobby. This can:

• Attract financially responsible applicants interested in building credit with their rent
• Decrease rent delinquencies (Landlords have reported 92% reductions) and recover unpaid rent
• Reduce Tenant turnover and improve monthly cash flow

Get legal help

If you are having trouble with your tenant or your landlord and would like help, ask a lawyer now.

								
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