Ontario Human Rights Code Restrictions
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, landlords cannot discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, family status, disability, or receipt of public assistance.
What You Can Legally Ask
- Credit report — Requires the applicant's written consent
- Employment verification — Letter of employment or recent pay stubs
- Previous landlord references — Payment history and tenancy conduct
- Income information — To confirm ability to pay rent
Build a Consistent Process
Apply the same screening criteria and process to every applicant. Inconsistent standards could be seen as discriminatory. Use a standardized application form and ask the same questions of all applicants.
What the AnchorLease application asks, and what it doesn’t
It asks for: name and contact details; employer, job title and time in the job; household monthly income before tax; current address and other addresses in the past 2 years; current landlord’s contact; move-in date, number of occupants and pets. Applicants can answer whether they have an LTB history or choose not to say. Income proof, ID and similar files are optional uploads, up to 5.
It does not ask for a Social Insurance Number or date of birth, and it does not ask for a bank login or account screenshots. Before submitting, applicants agree to two things separately: the landlord uses the information only to assess this application, and the landlord may contact the current landlord or references to check it.
When you need more information
Ask every applicant the same questions, and say why you need the information and what you will do with it afterwards. Where seeing a document is enough to check it, look at the original or a redacted copy rather than keeping extra copies.
Note: You cannot refuse applicants because they have children, receive ODSP/OW social assistance, or have a disability. Violations can result in complaints to the Human Rights Tribunal.