What can a landlord ask for on a rental application in Alberta?
In Alberta, rental application screening is permitted but constrained by tenancy law and human rights legislation that restrict discriminatory or irrelevant questions.This guide covers Alberta tenancy law only. For other provinces, see our [rental laws guides].
In Alberta, what a landlord can ask for on a rental application is shaped by the Residential Tenancies Act and the Alberta Human Rights Act. Landlords can collect information to assess a prospective tenant's ability to pay rent and maintain the property, but anti-discrimination rules set clear limits.
What Can a Landlord Ask For?
Alberta landlords can ask for full name and contact information, current and previous addresses and rental history, proof of income or employment, landlord and personal references, and consent to run a credit check. They may also ask for photo ID to verify identity and ask about the number of people who will live in the unit. Landlords can ask about income to assess ability to pay rent, but cannot reject an applicant based on their lawful source of income, such as government assistance, according to tenantrights.ca.
What Cannot a Landlord Ask For?
Landlords cannot ask questions that touch on protected grounds under the Alberta Human Rights Act. These include race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, gender, marital or family status, disability, or source of income, according to the Alberta Human Rights Commission. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is not required for a rental application. Full banking details are not a permissible request, though proof of income is.
Can a Landlord Charge an Application Fee?
No. Application fees are not permitted under Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act. A landlord cannot charge a fee for reviewing or processing a rental application.
Can a Landlord Refuse an Application?
Yes. Landlords can decline based on legitimate criteria such as insufficient income, poor credit, or negative references. However, refusals based on protected grounds under the Alberta Human Rights Act are prohibited. Complaints can be filed with the Alberta Human Rights Commission within one year of the discriminatory decision.
What Can Tenants Do if Asked Improper Questions?
Tenants can decline to answer questions that are not legally required or that touch on protected grounds. If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
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