What documents do you need to rent an apartment?

This guide covers two specific areas of the rental application process that trip up many renters: what information you should never include on an application, and how to handle the reference check stage effectively. For a broader overview of the application process, credit checks, and how to strengthen your application, see our [rental applications guide].

What Should Not Be on a Rental Application

Landlords are permitted to verify your identity, employment, income, and rental history. They are not permitted to ask for, and you should never voluntarily include, information that falls under protected characteristics under provincial human rights codes.

Do not include your age, unless you are applying for age-restricted housing such as a seniors' residence. Do not include your gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. Do not include your medical history or disability status. Do not include credit card numbers or full bank account numbers on an application form — these are not required at the application stage and are never needed by a landlord.

If a landlord asks for any of this information as a condition of applying, that is a red flag. In most provinces, asking for information that could be used to discriminate on protected grounds is a violation of human rights legislation.

For a full breakdown of what landlords are and are not permitted to ask, see our [guide on what information a landlord is allowed to ask for].

How to Handle the Reference Check Stage

References are one of the most important parts of your application. A landlord who cannot reach your references, or who receives a lukewarm response, may decline your application even if your financial documentation is strong.

Before submitting any application, contact each reference in advance to let them know they may receive a call or email. Confirm their current contact details and remind them of the tenancy dates and address so they can answer questions accurately. Landlords typically ask references about payment history, whether there were any issues during the tenancy, why the tenant is leaving, and whether they would rent to them again.

If a previous landlord is unreachable or unlikely to provide a positive reference, substitute an employer, a community contact, or a professional reference who can speak to your reliability and character.

If you do not have any previous landlord references because you are renting for the first time, say so clearly on your application. On liv.rent, you can select the first-time renter option, which explains this context to landlords directly. Providing strong employment and income documentation, a completed profile with identity verification, and a brief Renter Story can offset the absence of landlord references.

Find a Verified Rental on liv.rent

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Canada. A single verified Renter Resume on liv.rent can be submitted to any listing on the platform without starting over each time.