Does a CPN Work for Apartment Applications?

Applying for an apartment often involves a review of an applicant’s financial standing and rental history. Many individuals seeking housing, particularly those with past credit challenges, encounter information about Credit Privacy Numbers (CPNs). While CPNs are sometimes presented as an alternative for apartment applications, they are not a legitimate or effective tool for securing rental housing.

What a CPN Is

A Credit Privacy Number (CPN) is a nine-digit number that resembles a Social Security Number (SSN). These numbers are marketed by certain companies as a way to establish a new credit identity or to “repair” a poor credit history. The marketing suggests that a CPN can be used in place of an SSN on various financial applications.

However, CPNs are not issued by any government agency, credit bureau, or financial institution. Instead, they are typically either randomly generated nine-digit numbers or, in many cases, stolen Social Security Numbers. Entities selling CPNs often claim they are a legal alternative to government-issued identifiers, but this assertion is misleading. Unlike legitimate identifiers such as SSNs or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), CPNs lack official recognition and are widely associated with fraudulent schemes.

Why CPNs Fail for Apartment Applications

Landlords and property management companies conduct thorough tenant screenings. This process involves background checks, credit checks, and rental history verification. These screenings rely on official identification numbers, such as a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), to access verifiable data.

Major credit bureaus and tenant screening services are designed to process only legitimate government-issued identifiers. When a CPN is provided instead of an SSN or ITIN, these systems cannot match the number to an existing credit file or generate a valid credit report. Consequently, the application will not yield the necessary financial information, leading to an automatic denial. CPNs are ineffective for legitimate apartment rental applications.

Legal Risks of Using a CPN

Attempting to use a CPN for an apartment application or any credit-related purpose carries legal risks. Such actions can constitute fraud, which are serious criminal offenses under federal law. This includes identity fraud, credit fraud, or misrepresentation. Federal statutes like 18 U.S. Code § 1028 and 18 U.S. Code § 1029 can apply.

Penalties for these crimes can be severe, including fines and imprisonment. Identity theft offenses can lead to up to 15 years in federal prison, with aggravated cases resulting in longer sentences. Fraud under 18 U.S. Code § 1029 can incur fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 to 15 years. Landlords and financial institutions are obligated to report suspicious or fraudulent activity to authorities, which can initiate investigations and lead to criminal charges.

Legitimate Paths to Apartment Approval

Individuals facing challenges with their credit history can pursue several legitimate strategies to secure an apartment. One approach involves seeking a co-signer or guarantor. This is an individual with a strong credit history and stable income, who agrees to be legally responsible for the lease payments if the primary tenant defaults. Landlords require co-signers to have a credit score above 670 and sufficient income to cover the rent, three to five times the monthly amount.

Another option is to offer a larger security deposit or pay several months’ rent upfront. While state laws may limit the maximum security deposit, offering more than the standard one month’s rent can demonstrate financial stability and reduce perceived risk for the landlord. Providing alternative proof of financial reliability, such as recent bank statements showing consistent savings, employment verification letters, or multiple pay stubs, can strengthen an application. Highlighting a positive past rental history through references from previous landlords can reassure property owners. Some smaller, private landlords may offer more flexibility in their screening criteria compared to large property management companies.

Building credit over time through legitimate means helps. Utilizing a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit as collateral, can help establish a positive payment history when used responsibly and payments are reported to the major credit bureaus. Some services allow tenants to report their on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, which can contribute to building a credit score.