A rental application in Ontario asks for a lot of personal information, and newcomers often don’t know what is normal. The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) sets out what a landlord may and may not do. Checked October 3, 2026.
What a landlord may ask for
- Rental history, credit references and credit checks.
- Your income. But the landlord must also look at any available information on your rental history, credit references and credit rating.
- Income can be the only factor only when no other information is available, and only to confirm you earn enough to pay the rent.
- A guarantor, but only if the landlord has the same requirement for all tenants.
What a landlord may not do
- Count a lack of rental or credit history against you.
- Apply a rent-to-income ratio, such as a 30% cut-off, unless the housing is subsidized.
- Refuse you because of race, religion, ancestry, place of origin, citizenship, sex, family status, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, age, or because you receive public assistance.
What to prepare
- Government photo ID.
- An employment letter and recent pay stubs, or a job offer letter if you just arrived.
- A recent credit report, if you have one in Canada.
- References from past landlords, including from outside Canada.
- Bank statements, if you want to show savings in place of a long credit history.
Never send ID, bank details or your Social Insurance Number to someone you have not verified. Rental scams target newcomers.
Next: the standard lease, deposits and rent increases, and how I help renters and landlords.
Sources (official pages, checked October 3, 2026)
- Ontario Human Rights Commission – Human rights for tenants
- Ontario – Guide to Ontario’s standard lease
Programs and limits change, often at budget time. Confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
Talk to me in English or Arabic: call or text (647) 465-3710, message me on WhatsApp, or email Mohieddinrealtor@gmail.com.
General information only – not financial, legal or mortgage advice. Please consult a licensed professional about your own situation.