What Income Proof Can Landlords Request in New Brunswick?

When searching for a rental home in New Brunswick, many tenants wonder what types of income proof a landlord can ask for. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can prevent discrimination and protect your privacy during the rental application process. This article breaks down what landlords are allowed to request, the provincial laws that apply, and how to protect yourself from unfair treatment under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick.

Why Do Landlords Ask for Income Proof?

Landlords in New Brunswick are permitted to ask for proof of income to ensure you can comfortably afford the rent. However, requests for financial information must not be discriminatory or overly invasive.

What Types of Income Proof Can Be Requested?

Common types of income verification landlords may ask for include:

• Recent pay stubs
• A letter of employment stating position, income, and stability
• Notice of Assessment (summary from your recent tax filing)
• Social assistance or government benefit statements
• Bank statements (though these should not reveal sensitive details)
• Proof of student loans, bursaries, or grants (for students)

Landlords cannot require credit card numbers or access to accounts. They must not request documents that reveal protected characteristics, such as marital status, family status, or source of income that is protected under New Brunswick's Human Rights Act.

Best Practices for Tenants

• Only provide necessary, relevant documents. Redact personal account numbers if sharing bank statements.
• Ask the landlord why a specific document is needed if you are unsure.
• If something feels off, you can report discrimination or privacy violations.

Is It Legal for Landlords to Request Income Information?

Yes, as long as it is used only to assess ability to pay the rent and not as a way to discriminate. Under the Residential Tenancies Act and New Brunswick Human Rights Act, landlords may not refuse you for reasons prohibited by law, such as your source of income, ethnicity, religion, or family status.

Remember: Landlords can ask for reasonable proof of income but can't deny you a rental for using social assistance, pensions, or child benefits as your income source. If discrimination occurs, you have the right to make a complaint to the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.

How Does the Rental Application Process Work?

Most New Brunswick landlords do not use a standard government rental application form. Each landlord or property management company typically uses their own. If you are asked for a deposit with your application, always confirm if it is refundable and within legal limits. For more, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

After you sign a lease, your rights and obligations are governed by the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. Make sure you keep copies of what you submit and any correspondence with your landlord.

Forms and Official Sources

• Notice of Assessment (Canada Revenue Agency): Used to verify annual income. Download yours at the CRA official website.
• New Brunswick Residential Tenancy Agreement Form: Sets out the terms after being accepted as a tenant. Access the standard agreement template via the Service New Brunswick Forms page. Practical Example: After your application is approved, you sign this agreement with your landlord.

The tribunal responsible for residential tenancies in New Brunswick is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick). They handle disputes around rental agreements, deposits, and income discrimination claims.

What Happens If I’m Denied a Rental Due to My Income Source?

If you believe you've faced discrimination based on your source of income, you can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission. Collect all related documents and correspondence before filing.

Quick Reference: Tenant Rights and Income Verification

• Landlords can only ask for reasonable proof of income.
• They cannot discriminate based on source of income, race, family status, or other protected grounds.
• Tenants have the right to privacy—only share what’s needed.

For further guidance about your ongoing rights and duties after signing a lease, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Income Proof Requirements

1. Can a landlord refuse my application if my income is from social assistance or child benefits?
   No, landlords cannot refuse a tenant solely because their income comes from a protected source like government assistance, pensions, or child benefits.
2. What if I do not want to give my entire bank statement?
   You should only provide information relevant to income. It’s reasonable to redact sensitive information unrelated to the rental application.
3. Is there a standard rental application form in New Brunswick?
   No, landlords generally use their own forms. Ensure anything you sign is lawful and protects your information.
4. Where can I go if I feel my rights were violated during the application process?
   File a complaint with the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission or seek advice from a local tenant advocacy group.
5. Does a landlord have to destroy my documents if they don’t rent to me?
   Landlords should not keep your personal documents without a legitimate reason and must protect your privacy in accordance with privacy laws.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in New Brunswick can ask for basic proof of income but cannot discriminate based on protected sources of income.
• Keep your sensitive information private and only provide what is necessary.
• You can make a claim if you feel discriminated against—know your rights and use official resources when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick): For tenancy disputes, official forms, and information.
• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission: For discrimination issues or complaints.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick: Detailed overview of tenant and landlord obligations.
• Local tenant advocacy groups—visit municipal government websites for support and local contacts.

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1. New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act
2. New Brunswick Human Rights Act
3. Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
4. Service New Brunswick - Forms
5. Canada Revenue Agency – Notice of Assessment

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