Why Do Landlords Ask for a Social Security Number?

When applying for a rental property, individuals often encounter requests for their Social Security Number (SSN) as a standard part of the application process. This article explains the common practices behind these requests, the data landlords access, and how applicants can ensure their sensitive information is handled responsibly.

Reasons for Requesting an SSN

Landlords frequently request an SSN to facilitate comprehensive screening processes for potential tenants. This identification number is instrumental in performing a thorough assessment of an applicant’s financial stability and background. Obtaining an SSN allows property owners to make informed decisions regarding who they permit to reside in their properties.

One primary reason for requesting an SSN is to conduct a credit check. A credit report provides a detailed history of an individual’s financial obligations, including payment patterns, outstanding debts, and any past bankruptcies. This information helps landlords evaluate an applicant’s reliability in meeting financial commitments and paying rent consistently.

The SSN also enables landlords to perform background checks, encompassing criminal history and eviction records. By verifying an applicant’s past, landlords can assess potential risks and ensure a compatible living environment for all. Additionally, an SSN is a valuable tool for identity verification, helping prevent fraudulent applications and protecting both the landlord and other tenants.

Information Gathered Using the SSN

When an SSN is used for screening purposes, it unlocks access to various reports containing specific details about an applicant. A credit report, for instance, typically includes a credit score along with a summary of financial accounts. This summary details credit card balances, loan obligations, and mortgage payment histories. It also highlights any bankruptcies and lists accounts that have gone to collections.

Background checks facilitated by an SSN can reveal significant personal history. Criminal background reports will show felony and misdemeanor convictions. Additionally, eviction records, documenting previous unlawful detainer actions, become accessible. These records provide landlords with information about an applicant’s prior rental performance and adherence to lease agreements.

Identity verification processes confirm basic personal information, such as an applicant’s full legal name, any known aliases, and current and past residential addresses. This verification also typically confirms the applicant’s date of birth, ensuring the accuracy of information provided on the rental application.

Safeguarding Your SSN

Landlords and property management companies handle sensitive information, including Social Security Numbers, with care. Reputable entities employ secure methods for storing and processing SSNs, such as locked cabinets or encrypted digital storage. Access to this sensitive data is limited to authorized personnel who require it for screening purposes.

Landlords use third-party screening services to conduct background and credit checks, ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). These services protect applicant information and ensure data is obtained and used lawfully. When a tenancy concludes or an application is denied, proper disposal procedures, such as shredding or securely deleting digital files, are followed to prevent unauthorized access.

Applicants can inquire about a landlord’s data security practices or observe their professionalism in handling paperwork. Selecting landlords or property managers who demonstrate a commitment to data privacy helps ensure personal information is handled with appropriate security and discretion.