In Guide
Essential Guide to Rental Application Forms in Canada
Rental Application Forms in Canada
Completing a rental application form is the first and most important step for renting a property in Canada. Whether you’re a first-time renter or a seasoned tenant, understand the ins and outs of these forms.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of filling out rental application forms in Canada, providing you with valuable insights and tips along the way.
Understanding Rental Application Forms
Rental application forms are crucial documents in the renting process. These forms allow landlords to assess potential tenants. The forms typically request information such as personal details, employment history, rental history, and references.
By providing this information, applicants give landlords a comprehensive view of their background and suitability as tenants. Additionally, these forms provide legal protection by documenting the terms of the rental agreement.
Key Components of Rental Application Forms
Personal Information
In this section, applicants provide personal details such as their full name, current address, contact information, date of birth, and social insurance number (SIN).
Employment History
Applicants must provide details of their employment history, including their current employer, job title, salary, and length of employment. Landlords use this information to assess the applicant’s financial stability and ability to pay rent.
Rental History
Applicants list their previous rental history, including the names and contact information of previous landlords. Providing positive rental references can significantly enhance your chances of approval.
References
Tenant Reference or Rental Reference plays a significant role in assuring your next home. Prospective tenants typically provide personal or professional references who can vouch for their character and reliability. Choose references who can speak positively about your suitability as a tenant.
Financial Information
Landlords may request financial information such as bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of income to verify the applicant’s ability to afford the rent. Property owners can opt for a Tenant Screening or a Tenant Credit Check.
Rental Application Form in Ontario
The Rental Application Form in Ontario is the Residential Tenancy Agreement (Standard Form of Lease). Landlords of most private residential rental units are required to use this form when initiating a tenancy with a tenant.
You can download the PDF of the Standard Form of Lease to fill out on your computer. You can also download all the Ontario Government forms from the Central Forms Repository (CFR).
Rental Application Forms in British Columbia
A Residential Tenancy Agreement is the rental Application Form in British Columbia. The Residential Tenancy Agreement is a formal legal document that specifies the terms of the tenancy between a landlord and a tenant. The Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) is accurately reflected in this tenancy agreement template.
You can download the PDF of the Residential Tenancy Agreement to fill out on your computer.
You can also download all the Tenancy forms, such as General forms for landlords and tenants, Other forms for landlords and tenants, Standard dispute resolution forms, Direct request dispute resolution forms, Other dispute resolution forms for landlords and tenants, Ending tenancy forms from the official website of the Government of British Columbia.
Other Provincial Rental Application Forms
Alberta Rental Application Form
In Alberta, rental application forms must comply with the regulations outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Alberta’s privacy laws govern the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information on rental application forms.
There is no specific rental application form, but you can download this one as it contains all the necessary information and complies with the provincial guidelines.
Manitoba Rental Application Form
In Manitoba, rental application forms are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba and the Human Rights Code. The application form must comply with Manitoba’s provincial rules.
Landlords should avoid discriminatory practices based on protected grounds such as race, religion, gender, and family status.
You can download the PDF of the Standard Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1) to fill out on your computer. You can also fill out all the RTA e-forms with automatic calculation features provided by the RTA of Manitoba.
Nova Scotia Rental Application Form
In Nova Scotia, rental application forms are subject to the Residential Tenancies Act and the Human Rights Act.
You can download the PDF of the Standard Form of Lease (Form P) to fill out on your computer. You can also find all the Residential Tenancy Forms on their official website.
Quebec Rental Application Form
In Quebec, rental application forms must comply with the Civil Code and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. Quebec’s language laws require rental application forms to be available in French, the province’s official language.
You can check out our editable template for the Quebec Rental Application Form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Rental Application Forms in Canada
Prospective tenants or landlords should avoid some common mistakes when filling out a rental application form. These include providing incomplete or false information and failing to read and understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.
Provide the names and contact information of the landlords and tenants accurately to avoid any confusion or disputes.
Tips for Ensuring Accuracy and Clarity With Rental Application Forms in Canada
1. Carefully Read the Form
Before filling it out, take the time to review it and understand the information requested thoroughly.
2. Use clear and simple language
Provide accurate and concise information without complex language for the landlord’s and tenant’s ease.
3. Keep a copy for your records
Keep a copy of the filled-out forms, which includes the signed version with date mentioned.
4. Prepare Documentation
Gather necessary documents such as proof of income, identification, and reference letters to support your application.
If you have any queries or require additional assistance, please visit our website for a consultation or property management software demo.
How Do You Deliver Rental Application Forms In Canada?
The landlord must provide the filled-out Rental Application Form per provincial rules and guidelines. Here are some tips to follow:
- The forms can be delivered personally to the tenant via letter, fax, or courier. It can be given directly to the adults living in the rented unit,
- If you send the Rental Application forms via mail, make sure you have a record of it, like the Post Office Receipt. Note that the Landlord is entitled to receive the notice by mail for an additional five (5) days as per legal requirements.
- If you fax the Rental Application Form, make a copy of the fax confirmation sheet. The date should be the day it is faxed.
- Give one extra working day for delivery if you’re sending something via courier.
- It can be slipped under the rental unit’s door or left in the tenant’s mailbox. Moreover, it can be placed through the tenant’s door mail slot.
If you wish to know more about how to serve the documents to your tenant, click here.
Introducing MiPropertyPortal
Property Management Software With Built-in Rental Application Form
MIPorperty Portal (MIPP) is an all-in-one property management software solution for property managers, real estate investors and landlords in Canada. It has built-in rental application forms of all the provinces, which can be filled out with just a few clicks, saving you precious time and energy.
MIPP comes with numerous features:
- Tenant Screening
- Lead Management
- Online Rent Application (Free)
- Tenant Background Check and Credit Check
- Property Management Accounting and Reporting
- Assistance with compliance requirements
- Maintenance Tracking
- Online Rent Collection
- Vendor & Supplier Management
- Property Inspection
- Automated Form
- Storage & management of communications
- Automated Lease Creation
- And many more…
Why Should You Choose MIPP?
MIPropertyPortal can take your property management business to the next level. It will automate much of your property management business while you focus on generating revenue.
Get a free property management demo, or contact us to explore more.
The software is also available on the App Store or Google Play to manage your property on the go.
Conclusion
Rental application forms serve as a tool for landlords to assess prospective tenants. Understand the key components of rental application forms and provide accurate information to increase your chances of securing the perfect rental property.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Property Management
If you suspect discrimination during the rental application process in Ontario, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. They will investigate the matter and take appropriate action if discrimination is found.
While landlords in Ontario have the right to include a "no pets" clause in their rental agreements, they cannot unreasonably refuse to rent to someone with a service animal or emotional support animal, as this would constitute discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Yes, landlords in these provinces can request permission to conduct credit checks on rental applicants as part of the application process. However, they must obtain the applicant's consent and comply with privacy laws.
If your application is denied, ask the landlord or property manager for feedback and consider addressing any concerns in future applications.
Yes, a landlord can ask for Credit Score in a Rental Application. A good Credit Score indicates that a prospective tenant has better financial management and is a suitable.
This practice may raise privacy concerns as landlords should limit their requests to relevant information for assessing rental applications while still verifying the identity of applicants.
Landlords in Canada can check a tenant's credit score as part of the rental application process. A low score may result in the rejection of the application. However, landlords must follow provincial/territorial laws that may have specific guidelines for rental practices and credit checks.
