Is it legal for both a US citizen and Canadian citizen to sign a lease together?

[epmarshall]

Hi all,

I am a US citizen living in Canada with my Canadian citizen boyfriend. We are apartment hunting while living in his family's house right now. Well, today we got back from an apartment showing that went well and they were yelling at us saying that I can't be allowed to sign anything because that signifies ties back to the US or something. They keep saying my name can't be on anything.

I know they have told us incorrect info before and they refuse to listen even when we show them CIC's site. However, are they right about this? They keep acting like they know what they are talking about, so I'm inclined to believe they have some reason for saying what they do.

I think they are mistaken, but I wanted to ask to make sure regardless. Also, common law couples send in their applications to CIC with both names on the lease all the time, right? So it should be perfectly okay.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[Aquakitty]

Depending on your province, the landlord is not legally allowed to ask if you are a Canadian citizen.

They can check your credit history without a SIN number, if that's what they are worried about.

I don't know what they are on about, but it sounds like BS.

 

[hleao]

Not only its completely legal for you to sing a lease while not being a Canadian citizen, but I'm pretty sure its illegal for them to reject you based on the fact that you are not a citizen. Like Aquakitty said, depending on where you are they are not even allowed to ask that.

 

[Mightytonewheel]

Not only its completely legal for you to sing a lease while not being a Canadian citizen, but I'm pretty sure its illegal for them to reject you based on the fact that you are not a citizen. Like Aquakitty said, depending on where you are they are not even allowed to ask that.

In Ontario, a landlord cannot ask you if you are a Canadian citizen.

http://settlement.org/ontario/housing/rent-a-home/apply-for-rental-housing/what-kind-of-questions-can-a-landlord-ask/

Further, it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against based on the country in which you were born.

http://www.cleo.on.ca/en/publications/tenantsaccess/you-move

I suggest you call The Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation:
http://www.equalityrights.org/cera/

 

[epmarshall]

Thanks so much to all of you! That definitely helps ease our mind on things.

That being said, I have one more question if you guys don't mind. If we do sign the lease together, what happens if I am denied my visitor extension that I just applied for? I am a US citizen and I have heard it's not likely for that to happen, but you never know.

My boyfriend is able to pay the rent alone, I'm just asking to make sure there are no legal issues.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Aquakitty]

Thanks so much to all of you! That definitely helps ease our mind on things.

That being said, I have one more question if you guys don't mind. If we do sign the lease together, what happens if I am denied my visitor extension that I just applied for? I am a US citizen and I have heard it's not likely for that to happen, but you never know.

My boyfriend is able to pay the rent alone, I'm just asking to make sure there are no legal issues.

Thanks, everyone!

Nothing would happen, if your b/f continues to pay.

If you both totally bail on the lease, they could possibly come after both of you for the money if the landlord tries and fails to get another renter, but the reality is, if you are back in the US, there's nothing they could do. Canada and US credit ratings are separate.

 

[epmarshall]

Nothing would happen, if your b/f continues to pay.

If you both totally bail on the lease, they could possibly come after both of you for the money if the landlord tries and fails to get another renter, but the reality is, if you are back in the US, there's nothing they could do. Canada and US credit ratings are separate.

Thanks, Aquakitty! We should be okay then. Thanks for all the help, everybody!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I am a US citizen living in Canada with my Canadian citizen boyfriend. We are apartment hunting while living in his family's house right now. Well, today we got back from an apartment showing that went well and they were yelling at us saying that I can't be allowed to sign anything because that signifies ties back to the US or something. They keep saying my name can't be on anything.

I know they have told us incorrect info before and they refuse to listen even when we show them CIC's site. However, are they right about this? They keep acting like they know what they are talking about, so I'm inclined to believe they have some reason for saying what they do.

Once again, your partner's family have no idea what they are talking about and should just shut it. As the others have said above, it is perfectly fine for you to have your name on a lease here with your partner.

 

[epmarshall]

Once again, your partner's family have no idea what they are talking about and should just shut it. As the others have said above, it is perfectly fine for you to have your name on a lease here with your partner.

Yes agreed, Canuck. Thanks for the extra input. The apartment showing we attended yesterday went well, so hopefully we get this one and can move out of their house soon.