For Renters
Ontario Rental Application Checklist for Tenants
By Yanni Raposo, licensed Ontario real estate agent (RECO #6022638)
Published · Updated · 1 min read
Direct answer
An Ontario rental application package usually includes ID, income proof, references, and credit-check consent. Landlords must follow Human Rights Code rules on screening; deposits are limited under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Key takeaways
- Prepare ID, income proof, references, and credit-check consent before touring seriously.
- OHRC guidance limits discriminatory screening practices - know the basics.
- RTA rules limit lawful deposits (generally last month’s rent + key deposit).
- Use the standard lease path and keep copies of everything you submit.
Competitive Mississauga rentals move when your package is ready the day you tour. This checklist is for tenants assembling an application - paired with rentals support and the lease costs guide.
Document checklist
- ☐ Government-issued photo ID
- ☐ Proof of income (pay stubs, employment letter, or other lawful income evidence)
- ☐ References (prior landlord and/or professional)
- ☐ Credit check consent (and a recent report if you choose to provide one)
- ☐ Letter explaining any gaps (new to Canada, first rental, roommate change)
- ☐ Pets / parking / smoker details only as they relate to the unit’s rules
Human rights basics (screening)
The OHRC Policy on human rights and rental housing explains that landlords must not discriminate on Code grounds when selecting tenants. Regulation 290/98 sets out business practices for using credit, rental history, and income information. Arbitrary or Code-based screening can be discriminatory - see also OHRC guidance on identifying discrimination in rental housing. This page is educational, not a ruling on your case.
Deposits you will be asked for
Under the Residential Tenancies Act framework summarized by the LTB, landlords generally may collect a rent deposit up to one rental period (often last month’s rent) and a refundable key deposit - not damage or pet “security deposits.” Confirm details in the LTB Guide to the RTA.
Worked example: application day timeline
Hypothetical: You tour Saturday 11am. By Saturday 2pm you send: ID, three pay stubs, employer letter, two references, and signed credit consent. Landlord compares complete packages first - incomplete ones wait until Monday and often lose the unit.
Want help searching and submitting offers to lease? Request a renting callback.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I include in an Ontario rental application?
Typically government ID, proof of income, employment or enrolment letter, references, and consent for a credit check. Share what is needed to assess ability to pay - not irrelevant personal details.
Can a landlord refuse me because I receive social assistance?
Housing discrimination based on Code grounds (including receipt of public assistance) is prohibited. See the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s rental housing policy. This is not legal advice - contact the OHRC or a legal clinic for your situation.
Sources
- OHRC - Policy on human rights and rental housing (as of 2026-09-09)
- OHRC - Identifying discrimination in rental housing (as of 2026-09-09)
- Tribunals Ontario LTB - Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act (as of 2026-09-09)
Related guides
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