Is my landlord allowed to ask for my social insurance number?

Your social insurance number is considered sensitive personal information. You don’t have to hand it over, unless it’s required for specific purposes. These places can ask you for your SIN, albeit in specific circumstances:

• The Canada Revenue Agency, when you are filing taxes or asking for information.

• Service Canada, when you are applying for benefits or other financial assistance programs.

• Your employer, when they are getting you set up for payroll.

• Schools and universities, in relation to tax filings or when verifying your eligibility for loans and bursaries. 

• Lenders, when you apply for a loan. (While you don’t have to give it to them, it is helpful for them to access your credit report.)

You’ll notice that a landlord isn’t on this list. They can only request your SIN for a specific and lawful reason, like for a credit check. And even then it might not be necessary. If you’re not comfortable, tell your landlord that they can verify your ability to pay your rent in other ways. You are not legally required to provide your SIN.

In any situation where someone requests your SIN, ask why it’s needed and what are the consequences of not providing it. (Especially if the request is not for tax, financial or government-related purposes).