How do landlords do credit checks?

Published Oct 29, 2026

Applying for an apartment in BC? Many landlords and property managers want to run a credit check on tenants. Here’s how a landlord credit check works, what BC privacy law says about it, and what you can do if you have bad credit or no credit history in Canada.

How does a landlord credit check work?

The landlord, or a tenant screening company working for them, asks a credit bureau (in Canada, Equifax or TransUnion) for your credit report. The report shows your debts, whether you pay on time, and any collections or bankruptcies. To find the right file, the bureau needs your name and date of birth, and sometimes more.

Does a landlord need my permission?

Yes. In BC, private landlords follow the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). According to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC):

a landlord can get a report from a credit reporting agency only if they first tell you why and get your consent
a landlord can’t make you consent to more personal information than they need to provide the tenancy
consent doesn’t have to be in writing, but you can withdraw it. The landlord must then tell you what that means, for example that they may not rent to you
tenant screening services need your consent too. A landlord can’t use a company to collect what they couldn’t collect themselves

Do landlords need a credit check at all?

Not always. In its 2018 report on tenant screening, the BC Privacy Commissioner said landlords should only require a credit check when an applicant can’t provide enough references from past tenancies or satisfactory proof of employment and income. The Commissioner also said landlords should never collect information about you from social media or internet searches.

Do I have to give my SIN for a credit check?

Usually not. The OIPC says your full name and date of birth are often enough for a credit bureau to find your file. Landlords should avoid asking every applicant for a Social Insurance Number, or make it optional on the form. If you leave it blank, offer your date of birth instead.

Can a landlord charge for a credit check?

In BC, landlords can’t charge a fee for accepting, reviewing or processing a rental application. Be wary of anyone who asks for money before you’ve signed anything. It’s a common rental scam.

What else can a landlord ask for?

The OIPC says a landlord can reasonably ask:

to see your government photo ID (they should look at it and hand it back, not copy it)
where you’ve rented before, for how long, and whether you’ve been evicted
for references, with your consent

Bad credit or no credit history?

Newcomers to Canada and students often have no Canadian credit file. You can still make a strong application:

offer references from past landlords, in Canada or abroad
offer a letter from your employer or school
write a short renter resume that explains your situation

Our Renter Kit includes a renter resume, reference letter templates and a cover letter written for BC. You can also get your own credit report for free from Equifax and TransUnion before you apply, so there are no surprises.

If you think a landlord asked for too much

You can raise it with the landlord, and you can contact the OIPC about a privacy complaint. For tenancy questions, contact TRAC or the Residential Tenancy Branch.

More for BC renters

How renting works in BC: deposits, rent and fees
Should renters get insurance?
Will rent go down in BC?
Should I rent here? A checklist
Renter rights in Canada and BC
Average rent by city in BC

This is legal information, not legal advice.

Sources, checked Oct 29, 2026

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