What a landlord may ask before renting

Updated 05.10.2026.

When you look for a flat, the landlord often asks you to tell them about yourself. That is normal: they are choosing whom to trust with their property. Even so, not everything can be asked at any moment. The Data State Inspectorate (Datu valsts inspekcija) distinguishes two stages: selecting candidates and signing the agreement with the chosen tenant (Datu valsts inspekcija, 07.05.2025).

During selection

While the landlord is only choosing between interested people, they may ask what helps them judge whether you will be able to pay and look after the flat. The Inspectorate gives as examples your workplace, education, salary and previous renting experience. The landlord must be able to explain why they need this information and must ask only for as much as is necessary.

Simple details are usually enough:

who will live in the flat;
from which date and for how long;
what you do for a living.

At the selection stage the landlord should not ask for your personal identity number (personas kods), your bank account number or your declared place of residence (deklarētā dzīvesvieta). These details are needed only for the agreement, so only from the chosen tenant.

When signing the agreement

Once the landlord has chosen you, they need your first name, surname and personal identity number or other identification data for the agreement, as well as your contact details. You show your identity document, and the landlord writes down the necessary data from it.

A copy of your passport or ID card

The Inspectorate states clearly: obtaining a copy of an identity document to assess a tenant or to sign the agreement cannot be considered lawful. A copy may be obtained and kept only by those allowed to do so by a legal act. It is enough for the landlord to see the document.

If someone asks you to send a photo of your passport before a viewing, that is also a warning sign. The State Police (Valsts policija) warns that the aim of fraudsters is often to get people to reveal their personal or financial data (Valsts policija, 29.07.2025).

What to do if you are asked for too much

Ask why the specific information is needed.
Send only what relates to the selection; give your personal identity number and bank account when the agreement is signed.
Show your passport or ID card in person or on a video call, but do not send a copy.
If you believe your data has been processed unlawfully, you can submit a complaint to the Data State Inspectorate (General Data Protection Regulation, article 77).

What a landlord may ask before renting

During selection

When signing the agreement

A copy of your passport or ID card

What to do if you are asked for too much

Sources