Landlord Rental Application Rules in Newfoundland and Labrador

Finding a new home in Newfoundland and Labrador often starts with a rental application. As a tenant, it’s important to know what information a landlord can and cannot request from you. This guide explains the rules under Newfoundland and Labrador's residential tenancy laws, helps you guard your privacy, and prepares you for your next application.

What Can a Landlord Ask for on a Rental Application?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords are allowed to ask for certain information to assess your suitability as a tenant, but they're also required to respect your privacy under provincial laws. The provincial legislation governing rentals is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.^[1]

Permitted Information

• Your full legal name and contact information
• Names of all adults who will be living in the unit
• Current and previous addresses, along with landlord references
• Employment status and employer contact information
• Permission to conduct a credit check (may be requested but must be consented to)
• References from previous landlords or personal contacts

This information helps landlords verify that you are likely to pay rent on time and take care of the property.

Information Landlords Cannot Request

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) — landlords may ask, but you are not required to provide it.
• Personal banking details unless related to a pre-authorized rent payment (always optional).
• Health information, unless it is relevant to accommodation of a disability.
• Questions about ethnic origin, religion, age (unless determining if you are legally able to sign a lease), sexual orientation, family status, or other protected grounds under human rights laws.

Landlords must comply with the Newfoundland and Labrador Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) when collecting and storing your information.^[2]

Rental Deposits and Application Fees

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords can request a security deposit. However, they cannot charge an application fee just for considering your application.

• The maximum deposit is set by the Act, usually equal to no more than three-quarters of one month’s rent.
• Security deposits must be returned with interest after you move out if there are no damages or unpaid rent.

For a comprehensive overview of security deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you’ve submitted your rental application, landlords will typically review your references and may request your consent for a credit check. If you are approved, the next step is signing a rental agreement. It’s your right to review the lease before signing and ask questions about terms that are unclear.

For further steps on what to expect after signing, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Protecting Your Privacy

Landlords must keep your private information safe. That means:

• Only collecting information necessary for the rental decision
• Storing it securely and only sharing it when required by law
• Destroying it when it’s no longer needed

Official Forms for Tenants and Landlords

For most rental applications, there is no standardized provincial form. However, if you feel your privacy has been breached or if you wish to file a dispute regarding the information a landlord has requested, you can use:

• Application to the Director (Form 6): Used to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords under the Act, including privacy concerns.
  Download the Application to the Director (Form 6).
  Practical example: If a landlord asks you for your SIN and you believe this is unreasonable, you can file this form with the Residential Tenancies Office to resolve the dispute.

All official forms, including Form 6, can be found at the Residential Tenancies Office.

Provincial Tribunal Handling Rental Disputes

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) of Newfoundland and Labrador administers rental laws and resolves disputes. The RTO can assist tenants if a landlord breaches privacy or requests prohibited information.

For a helpful summary of your rights as a tenant in this province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Looking for new accommodations? Browse apartments for rent in Canada easily, including options across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord ask for my Social Insurance Number?
   No, landlords may ask, but tenants are not required to provide a SIN. Tenants should provide other identification such as a driver’s licence or passport.
2. Is a credit check allowed on all tenants?
   Landlords can request permission to run a credit check, but it must be with your written consent. You have the right to decline, but this may affect your application.
3. Can a landlord contact my employer or previous landlords?
   Yes, landlords may contact references you provide to verify your tenancy or employment status.
4. Are application fees legal in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   No. Only security deposits as permitted under the law are legal; application fees are not allowed.
5. What should I do if I feel a landlord is collecting too much personal information?
   Discuss your concerns directly with the landlord. If unresolved, consider filing a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador can request contact, employment, and reference information but not your SIN or prohibited personal details.
• No application fees are permitted. Security deposits are capped by law.
• Protect your privacy by knowing your rights and only providing necessary information.

Remember, being informed about what landlords can ask for will help you navigate the application process confidently while keeping your personal information safe.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office, Newfoundland and Labrador – For dispute resolution, information, and tenant resources.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation – Housing assistance and resources.
• Download official forms: Forms & Resources – Government of NL
• Read detailed provincial rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, Newfoundland and Labrador. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
2. Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA), Newfoundland and Labrador. Privacy Guidance for Rental Applications.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy