Trying to rent a new home in Alberta? You might be asked for a background check by a potential landlord. But what exactly are your rights, and what information can a landlord request? Understanding the rules around background checks and privacy protection is an important part of a smooth renting experience in Alberta. This guide breaks down what landlords can—and cannot—do, so you know exactly where you stand.

Do Alberta Landlords Have the Right to Run Background Checks?

In Alberta, landlords are permitted to request background checks on prospective tenants. This can include checking your credit history, verifying your identity, confirming past tenancies, and sometimes asking for references. However, there are important legal restrictions to protect against discrimination and inappropriate use of your private data.

The Legal Framework in Alberta

The main law governing residential tenancies in Alberta is the Residential Tenancies Act. When it comes to privacy and background checks, the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) also applies. According to PIPA, landlords must:

• Ask for your informed consent before running checks
• Explain what information will be collected and why
• Only use information relevant to the rental decision

If a landlord asks you to consent to a credit check or background report, they must clearly state what the check covers. You have the right to say no, but refusal may mean your rental application is not considered.

Common Types of Background Checks

• Credit check: Shows your history of paying bills; often done through agencies like Equifax or TransUnion.
• Reference check: Can involve contacting previous landlords or employers to verify information.
• Criminal record check: Rare for standard rentals, but some landlords may ask. You must provide informed, written consent—this is not required by law for most rentals.

Landlords are generally not allowed to collect more information than necessary for the rental application. Discrimination on protected grounds such as race, gender, disability, family status, or source of income is prohibited under the Alberta Human Rights Act¹.

How Consent Works for Background Checks

Landlords must get your explicit, written consent before they run any background or credit check. Usually, this is obtained with your rental application. If you are unsure about what you are being asked to authorize, ask the landlord for clarification or a copy of the consent form.

Your Rights If You Are Denied a Rental Due to a Background Check

If a landlord denies your application after running a background check, you can request an explanation. If you believe their decision was based on discrimination (such as your ethnicity, family status, disability, or other protected grounds), you have the right to file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

If the denial related to inaccurate information (like credit report errors), you can contact credit reporting agencies to correct mistakes.

Forms and Where to Get Help

• Alberta Human Rights Commission Complaint Form: Use this form if you believe you have faced discrimination. Access the official form. Example: A tenant is refused because of disability or family status—this form can be used to start a complaint.
• Requesting Your Credit Report: If denied due to a credit check, you can obtain your own credit report for free from Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada.

What Information Can a Landlord Not Request?

Landlords cannot ask for information that would lead to discrimination. They cannot require details about:

• Your religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
• Whether you plan to have children
• Your marital status (except where it clearly relates to occupancy)
• Your medical status or disabilities, unless you are seeking an accommodation

They are also not allowed to charge unreasonable fees for processing background checks. For more on your rights and deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

When Do Background Checks Happen in the Rental Process?

Background checks typically occur before a lease is signed but after you submit your application. Signing a rental agreement legally commits you as a tenant. For more on your responsibilities and rights after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

For both tenants and landlords, it's essential to understand rights and obligations at every stage. For a quick overview of rules unique to Alberta, check the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta page.

If you're searching for your next home, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of listings and helpful search tools.

FAQ: Alberta Landlords and Background Checks

1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me in Alberta if I don’t consent to a background check?
   Yes, landlords can decide not to consider your application if you do not provide consent. However, they cannot force you to consent—participation is voluntary.
2. What should I do if a landlord denies my application due to inaccurate information on a background check?
   Ask the landlord for a copy of the report and contact the credit agency to dispute any inaccuracies. You can also provide the landlord with proof of correction for future applications.
3. Are landlords in Alberta allowed to check my criminal record?
   Generally, criminal record checks are not standard, but a landlord may ask with your written consent. Refusing such a request may affect your application, but you are not legally required to consent.
4. How do I know if a landlord is asking for information they shouldn't?
   If the request relates to protected grounds under the Alberta Human Rights Act, such as race, religion, disability, or family status, you can refuse and consider filing a complaint.
5. Can a landlord share my personal information with others?
   Landlords must follow Alberta privacy law and only share your information for legitimate rental purposes. Unauthorized sharing may be a privacy breach under PIPA.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Alberta can run background checks, but must follow privacy and anti-discrimination laws.
• Your written, informed consent is needed before a landlord can access your credit or background information.
• If you're denied a rental for discriminatory reasons, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Understanding your rights helps you protect your privacy and make informed decisions during your rental search.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Act and Guide
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) — Alberta’s official tribunal for tenancy disputes
• Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta — For privacy or information handling complaints
• Alberta Human Rights Commission — For discrimination complaints

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1. See Alberta Human Rights Act (current version)
2. For legislation, see Alberta Residential Tenancies Act
3. Privacy guidance: Alberta Personal Information Protection Act

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