I recently went through the process of ending my current tenancy and looking for a new place to live. During my hunt for a new home, I was filling out an application for a suite I really liked and noticed that there was a box for my social insurance number (SIN). There was the word “optional” in brackets at the top, but I was a little unclear about the rules for providing my SIN. I did a bit of digging and this is what I found…
Do I have to provide my SIN when applying for tenancy?
No. You are not required to provide your SIN when you submit a property rental application. So, in general terms, it’s really up to you as to whether or not you feel comfortable providing your SIN. Here’s a list on Service Canada’s website that explains the instances when you need to provide your SIN, and when you can say no.
While this issue falls outside of the areas we regulate, we want to share useful information with British Columbians. For this blog post, we sourced our information from Service Canada (Service Canada is responsible for issuing SINs).
About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Hmm… do I really have to provide my social insurance number?
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I am in a B.C Housing complex. They are asking for my income tax return, in long form only, current years income tax assesment and a rate letter; in addition to pay stubs and band statements for the last 3 months. Is this legal? Do I have to provide income tax and income tax related forms?
Hi Nancy, thank you for your question. I wouldn’t want to speculate in this situation as this is not an area we oversee. I would suggest contacting the Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing. Here is a link to a contact page for them. I can’t say for sure that they would be the right people to talk to for this information but I think it would be a good place to start. They might be able to point you in the right direction for information on your rights regarding privacy and what documents are required to be provided, etc. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Hi Nancy,
I worked for a non-profit as a Property Manager for 15 years and yes they do have the right to ask for this information. Rent is geared to your income and they need to be able to verify your income to calculate your rent portion. This is what has to happen in order to have subsidized rent, if you do not submit this information there would be no way to calculate your portion of rent as it is the Government and taxpayers providing the subsidy.