In Canada, landlords are generally not required to disclose a tenant’s prior criminal record to other tenants who are sharing common areas. Privacy laws in Canada protect the personal information of individuals, including their criminal records. Landlords must handle such information confidentially and are not permitted to disclose it to other tenants.
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and provincial privacy laws govern the handling of personal information by landlords. These laws emphasize the importance of protecting the privacy of individuals and restrict the disclosure of personal information without the individual’s consent.
However, landlords may consider criminal records during the tenant screening process when deciding to rent out a property. This decision must comply with human rights legislation, which varies by province. For example, in Ontario, the Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination based on specific grounds, but criminal record is not one of them unless it relates to a pardoned offense.
If you have concerns about your rights or obligations as a tenant or landlord, it’s advisable to consult a legal professional or contact your provincial tenant relations board for guidance specific to your situation.
