What Landlords Can Legally Request on Rental Applications in Northwest Territories

Before renting a home in Northwest Territories, you'll likely be asked to fill out a rental application. Understanding what information landlords are allowed to request helps protect your privacy and ensures your rights are respected under territorial law.

Who Regulates Rental Applications in Northwest Territories?

In Northwest Territories, residential tenancies are regulated by the Rental Office, under the Residential Tenancies Act. These rules set out what landlords can and cannot ask for on rental applications¹.

What Information Can a Landlord Request on a Rental Application?

Landlords in Northwest Territories may reasonably ask for details to check your suitability as a tenant, while balancing your right to privacy. Typically, they can request:

• Full name and contact information
• Current and previous addresses
• Proof of income or employment (such as pay stubs, employment letters)
• References (previous landlords, employers, or personal references)
• Consent for a credit check (you must provide written permission)
• Number of intended occupants

However, a landlord cannot request information that may violate human rights legislation. For example, you cannot be asked about:

• Race, nationality, ethnicity, or religion
• Age, marital status, family status (such as whether you have children)
• Disabilities or medical history
• Gender or sexual orientation

Landlords must keep your information confidential, using it only for the purpose of determining your suitability as a tenant.

Are Security Deposits Part of the Application?

Some landlords may ask for a security deposit after your application is approved, not during the initial application process. For more details, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Permitted and Prohibited Questions

Questions that relate directly to your ability to pay rent and care for the property are typically allowed. Questions about personal characteristics protected by the Northwest Territories Human Rights Act are not. If you believe you have been asked an inappropriate question, you can contact the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission.

Consent for Credit and Background Checks

Landlords often want to run a credit check to assess your financial reliability. In Northwest Territories, they require your written consent before doing so. The consent section is usually part of the application form itself.

Official Forms You Might Encounter

• Rental Application (Form not standardized): Each landlord or property management company may use their own rental application form, as there is no government-mandated template in Northwest Territories. Carefully review and ask questions before submitting.
• Security Deposit Receipt (Form 2): Provided after a deposit is taken (see Form 2: Security Deposit Receipt). Used to document the amount paid and required by law after a deposit is received.

For more on what happens after your rental application is accepted, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Your Privacy Rights as a Tenant

Your application and any supporting documents are private. Landlords must:

• Keep personal data secure
• Only use the information to determine your application
• Not share your data without consent, except as required by law

If you feel your privacy has been violated during the rental application process, you can file a complaint with the Rental Office or the Human Rights Commission.

What if You’re Refused for Providing Limited Information?

While landlords can set reasonable rental criteria, they cannot discriminate against you for declining to provide personal details protected by human rights legislation. If you’re unsure about a question or feel pressured to provide unnecessary information, seek advice before responding.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Northwest Territories

When looking for a place to rent, you might want to Browse apartments for rent in Canada to explore more options securely online.

FAQ: Tenant Questions About Rental Applications in Northwest Territories

1. Can a landlord require my Social Insurance Number (SIN) on a rental application?
   No. Landlords should not require your SIN, though you may choose to provide it for a credit check. Your consent must always be given.
2. What happens if I refuse to answer a question on a rental application?
   Landlords may consider only the information you provide. They cannot refuse your application based on answers to questions that infringe your legal rights.
3. Are application fees allowed in Northwest Territories?
   No. Landlords are not permitted to charge you an application or processing fee.
4. Can landlords ask about pets or smoking?
   Yes, landlords can ask about pets and smoking, as these relate directly to the care and use of the property.
5. Where can I report a landlord for inappropriate application questions?
   You may contact the Rental Office or the Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission.

Key Takeaways: Tenant Privacy & Rental Applications

• Landlords can request basic personal and financial details, but not information protected by human rights law.
• Always provide written consent for credit checks and keep copies of any documents you share.
• Reach out for support if you feel your privacy rights are not being respected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Northwest Territories Rental Office – Information, complaint forms, and contact details
• Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission – File a discrimination complaint
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act (PDF)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, official legislation PDF
2. Government of Northwest Territories: Rental Office – Department of Justice
3. Northwest Territories Human Rights Commission

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