Does a landlord need my Social Security number?
A landlord will use your Social Security number not only for credit check purposes, but to also confirm your identity with a possible background check. Social Security numbers are also integral for banking purposes.
Why do I need a Social Security number for a lease?
A Social Security number is used for personal identification, and is necessary to do a credit check on a potential tenant. With the rise in identity theft, people have become reluctant to share this information with strangers, especially before they've signed a lease or entered a formal contractual agreement with a landlord.
How do you verify a landlord's identity before giving out Social Security?
Before giving out your Social Security number, ask to see identification and copy the information for your records. Search public information records for building management information, then contact the main office number and verify the landlord's identity.
Why do I need to put my Social Security number on application?
You need to put your Social Security number on the rental application so the landlord or property manager can check your background and your credit. If you have a freeze on your credit report due to identity theft, unfreeze it while the background check is in process. Refreeze it when it's complete.
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number?
Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.
What can someone do with your Social Security number?
Once someone has your Social Security number, they can essentially become you. They may be able to collect tax refunds, collect benefits and income, commit crimes, make purchases, set up phone numbers and websites, establish residences, and use health insurance—all in your name.
Is it normal to ask for bank account numbers on a rental application?
It's perfectly normal for a landlord or property manager to ask for your bank account number on a rental application. This helps them verify that you actually have a bank account and you're able to cover the rent. They may also use your bank account to extract missing rent payments.
Is it safe to give Zillow my SSN?
You can use our tools to pull your credit report and criminal background check to include in your application, but Zillow doesn't store your Social Security number and we don't collect or see the credit or background check reports.
Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?
If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Can someone access your bank account with your SSN?
They can use your SSN to open a bank account in your name. That means that anyone with your SSN can easily open a bank account in your name, especially if the identity thief already obtained a driver's license in your name.
Should I give my SIN number to landlord?
You should never release your SIN to the landlord. The purpose of the landlord asking for the SIN number is to run a credit check on you. Your landlord can also receive a credit check if you provide your full name and birthday.
Can a landlord look at my bank account?
By asking for your bank details, the landlord is able to confirm that you actually hold an account and that your monthly income, less your expenditures, is enough to cover the rent. Another reason for Landlords to want to know your account number is for security in the eventuality that you may fail to pay the rent.
What are landlords looking for on bank statements?
The most accurate indicator of current lifestyle is asking to see a prospective tenant's last three months bank statements. You are looking to assess lifestyle patterns, debts, payment history and disposal income to cover your rent and bills.
Can you get scammed through Zillow?
Scams are a reality of shopping online and offline. Zillow strives to provide a safe online community, but you should always be wary of giving personal information, financial information, or payments of any kind to people you don't know personally.
Why does Zillow need your Social Security number?
In order for you to access the detailed screening reports for applicants that have applied to your rental listing, we require that you verify your identity. This helps us protect the privacy of renters' sensitive information and comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. ID verification won't affect your credit score.
Can someone see if you look at their house on Zillow?
The Owner Dashboard is a personalized view of your home and shows you stats like how many people are viewing your listing, gives you easy access to edit your home information, and more.
What to do if landlord refuses to give out social security number?
If the landlord refuses to give out this information, or doesn't give clear answers, err on the side of caution and keep your number to yourself.
Why do people give out their social security numbers?
A Social Security number is used for personal identification, and is necessary to do a credit check on a potential tenant. With the rise in identity theft, people have become reluctant to share this information with strangers, especially before they've signed a lease or entered a formal contractual agreement with a landlord. You can refuse to give out the digits, but don't be surprised if the landlord, in return, refuses to rent to you.
What is a fake landlord?
Fake landlords will show an apartment, collect completed applications from several prospective tenants, then sell the information on the black market. In addition, free listing sites such as Craigslist are infamous for fake rental listings that request a Social Security number for a preliminary credit check.
Can a tenant refuse a late request for a Social Security number?
A 2005 court case in Manhattan found that a tenant can refuse a late or random request for a Social Security number since it is "prima facie privileged information," according to Jay Romano of "The New York Times.". Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com.
Is it sensible to be concerned about identity theft and privacy issues?
It's sensible to be concerned about identity theft and privacy issues, especially when handing out something as valuable as a Social Security number. Beth Givens, director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, points out that consumers use this important information in transactions from cell phones to bank accounts. “We really are in a terrible situation today with the abuse and overuse of Social Security numbers," she remarks in an interview with MSNBC.com.
Do landlords ask for a social security number?
Usually, a landlord asks for a Social Security number before approving a tenant, not after the fact. The number is usually part of the application process. If the inquiry comes after a tenancy has begun, the tenant may wonder why the information is necessary. Therefore, timeliness of the request is paramount. Otherwise, a tenant may get suspicious and start asking questions about what, exactly, the number will be used for. A 2005 court case in Manhattan found that a tenant can refuse a late or random request for a Social Security number since it is "prima facie privileged information," according to Jay Romano of "The New York Times."
Why do people use social security numbers?
They then use the Social Security number to check the credit report of the applicant.
Is it a valid request from a landlord to a current tenant?
Unless there's something going on in terms of your current rental situation involving your ability to pay your rent or you are receiving wages from your landlord for some reason this is not a valid request from a current landlord to a current tenant on a valid lease. There are several reasons.
Why do I need to keep a copy of my SS card?
The reason is usually to be certain that a stolen identity is not being used. The photograph on the ID should match the appearance of the applicant; I do keep a copy of the ID for the application file. The SSN on the SS card should match the number provided on the application; I normally don’t keep a copy of the SS card. In the USA, there is a federal law called the “Fair Credit Reporting Act” (FCRA); the FCRA regulates how “information” from reports can be used and it provides that the applicant has certain rights. The landlord has to be able to defend the rental decision (if it used the credit report information) for a period of time given by the FCRA statute of limitations (could be as long as five years), so having the appropriate information on file for each applicant is quite the necessity unfortunately.
What form do landlords need to file to get tenant's tax return?
And in the USA, the wise landlord would require the tenant to complete IRS form 4506 or 4506-T to get the tenant's tax return data from the IRS.
How long does a landlord have to defend a rental decision?
The landlord has to be able to defend the rental decision (if it used the credit report information) for a period of time given by the FCRA statute of limitations (could be as long as five years), so having the appropriate information on file for each applicant is quite the necessity unfortunately.
What is the landlord's due diligence?
The landlord is doing their due diligence. They want to confirm that your credit report and ID [your driver's license] matches your name and federally issued 9 digit social security card number. This precautionary safety measure is used by astute landlords to avoid bad tenants that use identiity theft to secure a rental using a borrowed credit profile from a good tenant. Imposter tenants who fraudulently use stolen information is the main reason landlords wind up in eviction court and lose tons of money on costly repairs and legal fees.
Do landlords need your SSN?
There's no reason for a landlord to require you to provide him or her with your SSN. There are several technology solutions that allow a landlord to run a credit/background check and verify your identity without collecting any personally identifiable information. Rentalutions and SmartMove by TransUnion are two of these services.
Can a landlord rent to an illegal immigrant?
Landlords legally can not rent to illegal immigrants any more. So, they have to ask for a social security card or birth certificate. They also need your social security number in case you have to be evicted. There's no reason for a landlord to require you to provide him or her with your SSN.
Do landlords want pay stubs?
Likewise, the landlord wants copies of your pay stubs and tax returns; all of which are perfectly legal to request and accepted practice in the rental industry. These documents verify the information you provided on your application and they are for the landlord's files; there is no other hidden purpose.
When it comes time to collect tenant debt, can a Social Security number be critical in locating and extracting?
When it comes time to collect tenant debt, a Social Security number can be critical in locating and extracting a judgment from the tenant.
Is a Social Security number required for tenant screening?
While a Social Security number is invaluable in distinguishing an individual from others with similar names or the same address, it is not mandatory for obtaining tenant screening reports . The full legal name of an applicant, the date of birth, and recent address will also work.
Can a landlord ask for a tenant's social security number?
A landlord has a right to ask for updated information, including a request for a Social Security number from an existing tenant, but that should be done in conjunction with renewing the lease and running a current tenant background check . Having the tenant complete a current rental application with an authorization to screen is a reasonable step in most instances. Be careful if the lease is not about to expire, or if it automatically renews. If the tenant does not want to provide the number, a landlord may not be able to make new demands under the existing lease. Talk it over with an attorney if this is the case.
Can a landlord access tenant screening records without SSN?
If a tenant has been willing to provide other personal data but stops short of the SSN, this could be cause for concern. They may believe the landlord cannot access tenant screening records without the SSN. A landlord has to evaluate the applicant’s reason for withholding the information and carefully verify identity in that case.
What to do if you are denied a rental?
A credit check cannot be completed without your permission and specific information such as your Social Security number. If you are denied a rental home because of your credit, you should get a copy of your credit report so you know what kind of damaging information is on there.
Is a social security number good for background checks?
Your Social Security number is helpful for this type of screening as well. A background check will either demonstrate that you have no derogatory information in your past, or it will provide information on arrests, court cases and other potentially negative details.
Do landlords need to match your name with your social security number?
Landlords want to make sure you are who you say you are, so they'll need to match up your name with your Social Security number. Someone with a suspicious past could try to rent a home using a different identity. Comparing your Social Security number to the rest of the information you provide on your application will prove your identity.
Can a landlord ask for a social security number?
Landlords are legally allowed to ask you for your Social Security number on a rental application , but you are also permitted to discuss how that number will be used. Ask how you can be sure it will be kept secure and find out who will have access to it.
Why is it important to collect your SSN?
Nowadays it is all the more important to be sure about the individual (s) you will be renting out your property and ensure peace of mind.
What is tenant screening?
During tenant screening, landlords are required to perform a variety of inquiries regarding the information provided by the tenants about their personal life and professional/financial status. Each of them is equally important but the most crucial one is the financial and employment related aspects. Every landlord must make sure whether the prospective tenant has provided authentic information about his/her income and employment or not. Read More...
Why do landlords use social security numbers?
Another reason landlords prefer that applicants provide their Social Security number is to run a credit check. Once landlords have permission from an applicant, they can use the applicant’s name and SSN to check into how financially reliable the applicant is. The credit check shows various financial information that can inform the landlord about a potential tenant’s financial and rental record.
Why do landlords want to rent under different names?
This is a concern for some landlords because unreliable tenants will try to rent under different names to avoid the consequences of their past bad renting situations or legal issues. To ensure they are not being tricked, landlords want to be able to verify the identity of all applicants.
How to notify a screener of a new SSN?
The easiest way to notify our screeners is to enter all zeros (000-00-0000) as the SSN for your applicant when filling out the report information.
What do you look for in a tenant background check?
When screening tenants there are 3 main identifiers a background check service looks for. Date of Birth. Name. Social Security Number. Some tenant screening services start by using the Social Security Number and cannot work without that information. These are typically instant services that are software that relies on the SSN to find your applicant.
How does a tenant screening service work?
Then, the service emails the tenant directly. They log into a secure site, enter their information, and give their permission to use that information. Then, the screening service securely collects relevant data and provides it to the landlord. At no time is the landlord given access to private or confidential information they should not be able to see.
How to reassure potential tenants?
Another way to reassure potential tenants is to use tenant-involved screening services. With these screening services, you collect an email and name from the tenant and provide these to your chosen service, such as RentPrep.
What to do if you have an applicant who expresses concern?
If you have an applicant who expresses concern, let them know exactly how you will be using the information and what types of limitations prevent you from abusing that power. This can help them to feel more comfortable providing a SSN on their application.
