When searching for a rental home in Ontario, most landlords will ask for proof of income before approving your rental application. Understanding what income documents can be requested, and what your rights are under Ontario law, is crucial to avoid illegal discrimination and ensure a fair process.

What Income Documents Can Landlords Request?

Ontario landlords have the right to request reasonable proof that you can afford the rent. However, there are legal limits designed to protect tenants from discrimination and privacy violations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

• Recent pay stubs
• Employment letter confirming salary or wages
• Bank statements showing regular income deposits
• Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (for self-employed applicants)
• Social assistance, pension, or disability benefit statements

Each landlord may have their own preferences, but they cannot demand a specific document if you can provide a reasonable alternative that proves your income.

Your Rights: What Landlords Cannot Demand

While landlords can ask about your income, they cannot:

• Refuse your application solely because you receive social assistance, disability support, or other lawful sources of income
• Ask for unnecessary or excessive financial details (such as entire bank account histories)
• Set income requirements so high that they effectively exclude individuals based on their source of income
• Discriminate against you based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, family status, disability, or other protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code

If you feel a landlord is being unreasonable or discriminatory with income proof requests, you can file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission or seek help from a local tenant advocacy group.
To better understand your rights as a tenant, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

How Does This Affect the Rental Application Process?

Income proof is usually requested after you've found a rental you want and agreed with the landlord on basic terms. The process typically involves:

• Completing a rental application form (such as Ontario’s standard Residential Tenancy Agreement)
• Submitting acceptable proof of income (as listed above). If you’re unable or unwilling to provide certain types of proof, you may offer an alternative.

Landlords must treat all applicants fairly and consistently, using the same standards for all.

Security Deposits: What’s Allowed?

Landlords in Ontario may also request a rent deposit (usually the first and last month’s rent) when your rental application is approved. For a deeper look at your rights regarding rental deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Ontario Standard Lease (Form): Standard Form of Lease – Residential Tenancy Agreement. This contract must be used for most private residential tenancies in Ontario. Example: Once you and your landlord agree, this form is completed, signed, and exchanged. Official Source: Tribunals Ontario – Landlord and Tenant Board
• Human Rights Code Discrimination Complaint: If a landlord refuses you due to your source of income, file a complaint through the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

Landlord Tribunal and Key Legislation

• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Sets out what documents landlords can request and prohibits discrimination. Read the full Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Ontario’s official tribunal for resolving rental disputes. Learn more at the Landlord and Tenant Board website.

The LTB handles complaints about unfair rental practices, illegal income requirements, and other issues between tenants and landlords.

Tips for Tenants: Sharing Income Proof Safely

• Only share documents required to prove your income—avoid providing more sensitive information than necessary.
• Request that your personal details be kept confidential and stored securely.
• If a landlord requests information you believe is unreasonable, politely ask why it’s necessary or offer alternatives.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord in Ontario ask for my credit report?
   Yes, landlords can ask to see a recent credit report, but they cannot refuse your application solely if your credit is affected by your source of income (such as social assistance).
2. Is it legal for a landlord to demand more than one type of income proof?
   Landlords can ask for more than one type, but they must accept reasonable documentation and cannot be excessive or discriminatory.
3. What if I have no traditional income (e.g. student, self-employed)?
   Alternative forms such as student loans, scholarships, or proof of business income are valid. Always clarify what will be accepted before applying.
4. Who can I contact if I believe I’m being discriminated against during the rental application process?
   Contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission or a local legal clinic for support and guidance.
5. Are rent deposits and income proof the same thing?
   No. Rent deposits are for securing your rental unit, while income proof simply demonstrates ability to pay rent.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords can ask for reasonable income proof, but must follow Ontario law and human rights rules
• Never share more sensitive financial information than necessary—ask questions if you're unsure
• If you feel discriminated against, support is available and complaints can be made to the proper authorities

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board: Official dispute resolution and information
• Ontario Human Rights Commission: Support for discrimination and equal treatment
• Community Legal Education Ontario: Free legal information for tenants (housing & discrimination)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Government of Ontario)
2. Ontario Human Rights Code (Government of Ontario)
3. Landlord and Tenant Board (Tribunals Ontario)

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