Can You Get an Apartment With a CPN?

Securing an apartment often involves a comprehensive review of an applicant’s financial standing, with credit history playing a significant role. Many individuals seeking housing may encounter challenges if their credit profile does not meet typical landlord expectations. This situation sometimes leads people to explore unconventional options, such as using a Credit Privacy Number, or CPN, when applying for a rental. This article examines the nature of CPNs, the legal implications of their use in housing applications, and legitimate practices in the rental market.

Understanding Credit Privacy Numbers

A Credit Privacy Number (CPN) is a nine-digit number promoted as an alternative to a Social Security Number (SSN) for financial transactions. These numbers are formatted to resemble an SSN, and are referred to as a credit protection number or credit profile number. Companies selling CPNs market them as a means to establish a new credit identity or to obscure a less-than-perfect credit history, including past bankruptcies. While a CPN is not inherently illegal, its intended use often crosses into fraudulent territory, especially when presented as a substitute for a government-issued identifier.

Unlike a Social Security Number, which is issued by the government and legally recognized for financial applications, CPNs are not government-backed and lack official recognition from financial institutions or credit bureaus. Some CPNs are generated randomly, while others are stolen Social Security Numbers. Using a CPN to repair or hide a poor credit history is illegal.

The Law and Rental Applications

Providing false or misleading information on a rental application, including the use of an unauthorized identifier like a CPN, constitutes a serious offense. A rental application is a legally binding document, and signing it confirms the accuracy of the provided information. Landlords and property management companies depend on truthful applicant data to conduct thorough background and credit checks. These checks help assess an applicant’s financial reliability and overall suitability as a tenant.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how consumer reports, including credit and background checks, are used in tenant screening. This act requires landlords to obtain written consent from applicants before accessing their consumer reports and to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained. Intentional misrepresentation of identity or financial standing, such as using a CPN instead of a legitimate Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), is considered fraud. Such actions undermine the integrity of the application process and can lead to severe legal repercussions for the applicant.

Potential Outcomes of Rental Application Misrepresentation

If a landlord discovers that an applicant used a CPN or provided other false information on a rental application, significant consequences can arise. Even if the misrepresentation is found after a lease has been signed and the tenant has moved in, the lease can be terminated. This can result in immediate eviction, as the tenant violated the terms of a legally binding agreement. Such an eviction would negatively impact the individual’s rental history, making it considerably more difficult to secure housing in the future.

Beyond eviction, individuals may face civil lawsuits from landlords seeking monetary damages. These damages can include lost rental income, legal fees associated with eviction proceedings, and costs for any property damage incurred. In cases where fraud is proven, courts may impose additional financial penalties. Using a CPN can also lead to criminal charges such as identity theft or fraud. Convictions for these offenses can result in substantial fines and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the fraudulent activity.

Alternative Paths to Securing an Apartment

Individuals facing challenges with their credit history have several legitimate strategies to improve their chances of securing an apartment:

• Secure a co-signer or guarantor: A co-signer with strong credit and stable income agrees to take financial responsibility for the lease if the primary tenant defaults. This provides additional security for the landlord and can bolster an application.
• Offer a larger security deposit or pay rent in advance: Paying more than the standard security deposit or several months’ rent upfront can demonstrate financial responsibility and serious intent. This can mitigate risks associated with a lower credit score, though some jurisdictions limit maximum security deposits.
• Provide positive references and proof of income: Positive landlord references showcase responsible tenancy. Demonstrating stable income and employment history through pay stubs or bank statements can reassure landlords about your ability to meet rent obligations.
• Explore private landlords or a roommate situation: Private landlords may offer more flexibility than large property management companies. A roommate with a strong credit profile can also strengthen an application.