Finding a new rental can be stressful—especially when you’re unsure about what a landlord can check before approving your application. In Ontario, tenant screening is common, but there are rules to protect your rights and privacy. This article explains when Ontario landlords are allowed to run background checks, what they can ask for, and how laws protect against discrimination.

Background Checks by Landlords: What’s Allowed?

Ontario landlords want to make sure tenants can pay rent and will care for the property. To do this, they often request background information. But there are legal limits to what they can ask and check.

• Credit checks: Landlords may ask to run a credit check and require your written consent. They usually ask for this on a rental application form.
• References: You might be asked for references from past landlords or employers.
• Rental history: Landlords can ask about your previous addresses and rental experiences.
• Proof of income: This can include recent pay stubs, an employment letter, or other income documentation.

However, Ontario law strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, family status, disability, or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code¹.

Privacy Protection for Tenants

Tenants are protected by privacy laws. A landlord cannot check your credit without your permission. Any information gathered (like your financial details) must be kept confidential and only used to evaluate your rental application.

Landlords should also not ask for information unrelated to your suitability as a tenant—such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), although you may choose to provide it for a credit check.

Official Forms Used in Tenant Screening

• Rental Application: There is no mandatory government form, but most landlords use their own application forms for gathering consent and information. Tip: Always review the form before signing, and only provide details you’re comfortable sharing.

For more about what can be asked during screening, review the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario website for detailed guides and sample forms.

When Landlords Cross the Line: Discrimination and Your Rights

If a landlord denies your application based on a prohibited ground (like age, citizenship, sexual orientation, etc.), that may be discrimination. The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario hears complaints about discrimination in housing.

What Information Can’t Landlords Request?

Ontario landlords cannot:

• Require a guarantor or co-signer only because of your protected status (such as disability or family status)
• Deny you based on source of income (such as social assistance)
• Ask for information about personal relationships (like marital status beyond what’s needed for occupancy limits)

If you experience prohibited requests, you can make a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

After the Application: What’s Next?

If your application is successful, you will typically be asked to sign a lease and may need to provide a rent deposit. For a detailed look at rental deposits in Ontario, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Be sure that any deposits or rent advances comply with the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006².

Good to Know: Provincial Tenant Rights

Ontario tenants have strong protections under the law. For a summary of your legal rights regarding background checks, security deposits, and your relationship with your landlord, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

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1. Can a landlord deny my application because of bad credit?
   Landlords can consider your credit history among other factors. However, they must not deny your application for a reason that amounts to discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
2. Do I have to provide my Social Insurance Number (SIN) on a rental application?
   No, you do not have to provide your SIN, although some landlords ask for it to run a credit check. You can offer other identification and discuss alternate arrangements for credit screening.
3. What should I do if I think a landlord discriminated against me?
   If you suspect discrimination during the application process, keep written records and consider filing an application with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
4. Can I see the results of my background check?
   Yes. You have the right to request and review any background or credit information a landlord uses to make their decision.
5. Are there rules for security deposits in Ontario?
   Yes, the Residential Tenancies Act limits what deposits can be requested. For full details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Landlords can ask for background and credit checks, with your consent.
• It’s illegal to discriminate based on protected grounds—report concerns to the Human Rights Tribunal.
• Your personal information is protected by law; only share what’s necessary and relevant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: Information about rental rights and dispute resolution.
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario: To file a complaint about discrimination in housing.
• Ontario Government: Renting in Ontario: Step-by-step guides and resources for tenants.
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: In-depth overview of tenant and landlord laws in the province.

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1. Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19. Read the Human Rights Code.
2. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17. Read the Residential Tenancies Act.

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