Getting a decent apartment to rent out is as difficult as it gets. What’s worse is when your application gets denied because of some missing information. One such info would be your social security number. So, do rental apartments need social security cards?
Even though many real estate professionals will make it their business to notify you that your social security number is crucial for an apartment rental application, that is not the case in this day and age. Furthermore, it is illegal in a few states for a landlord to reject a rental application if the potential tenant does not provide their social security details.
There are many other reasons why landlords or even agents believe that they need a social security number. It may range from their security to wanting some background information on their tenants. But we’ll go through those further down the article. So, let’s see if you need a social security card to rent an apartment.
Is It Safe To Give SSN To Landlords?
Whether it’s safe or not to provide your landlord with your social security number depends on what your landlord plans to do with that information. Many rental applications might require you to write down your social security number. But you can also ask your landlord how they will use that set of information.
As per the law, landlords cannot rent to illegal immigrants. This is why some will require you to give them your social security number or a birth certificate. And in the event of an eviction, they will also need access to your social security card.
But don’t take the stress. They will not force you to hand out your social security number just like that. Today, the requirement for an SSN on an apartment rental application is considered illegal in many states, as I mentioned before. For instance, in California, they can not reject your rental application if you do not provide them with one.
And it’s also not permissible to selectively screen individuals. This means that if the landlord decides to ask for a social security number on the rental application, they will have to do so for all of their potential tenants. If they do not follow that, it will be considered a fair housing violation.
When it comes to your privacy and safety concerns, providing your social security number can get risky. With the growing global concern for identity theft, which is a serious crime, it’s not easy for someone to just hand in their private information just like that. It is no mystery why you will feel uneasy about it.
But when it comes to rental applications, landlords might ask you to provide them with your social security card. In that case, you won’t be facing a lot of risks if your landlord or the owner of the apartment needs access to your social security number. That is so they can check your background as well as your credit.
Why Should You Share Your SSN With Landlords?
Because landlords and apartment owners also need to feel safe and secure when they’re handing over the lease to a stranger. So, when you give them your social security number, they will use that information to match your name with the one already given on your social security card.
The landlords need to identify you. There have been many cases where criminals try to rent apartments with a different identity. So, if your landlord is unable to identify you properly, it will be extremely dangerous for them as well as their other tenants.
Another critical reason would be to check your credit. The landlords are only trying to make sure that you are financially responsible and will be able to pay the rent on time each month. Thus, they need to check whether you’ll be able to afford the apartment that you want to rent.
All in all, some landlords will deem it crucial to subject you to a full background check. That is to make sure whether you have any previous criminal records. And if they do pull out any derogatory information from your past that could lead to severe consequences, they do have the liberty to deny your rental application.
But that does not mean that you have no say in this matter. If the landlord is asking for your social security number and you want to further comprehend what’s going on, it is recommended that you discuss with them why they need that information.
You are advised to ask them in what ways they will keep your private information secure so that no other soul might have access to it. And if it’s possible, you should discuss all of this with a professional property manager before filling out your rental application. Ask them about the procedures involved to know what you’re getting into.
Can A Landlord Ask for My Child’s Social Security Number?
No landlord has permission to ask for your child’s social security number. And you, as their guardian, have the utmost liberty to refuse to give them that set of private information.
If you want to rent out a decent apartment for your family, the chances are that the landlord will ask you to hand over your social security number. They will have a legitimate claim to it, as they’re only looking out for themselves and the safety of their tenants.
But if they ask you to provide them with your child’s social security number, that is when you draw the line. Not only is that illegal, but it is also considered a violation of your child’s private information. Especially if they aren’t yet adults. Protecting your child’s identity and keeping them safe will be your number one priority here. So, don’t get phased.
In certain states, such as California, it is illegal for landlords to even ask for the social security number of renting the apartment, let alone their children. So, you have every right to sue if they choose to deny your rental application for that reason.
And even landlords have to be aware of the certain risks involved when handling an individual’s private information, be it an adult’s or a child’s SSN. They are also aware of the global crisis of identity theft. So, the chances are that you won’t find many landlords who will ask for your child’s social security number.
Whether they ask for yours is completely up to them. And in many states, they are required to do so. That is why you must go over the details with a professional property manager before you venture out into the application process. Make sure that your information will be carefully handled. And that the landlords know that safeguarding your privacy is essential.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve arrived at the end of the article, the bottom line is that social security numbers can be crucial when renting out an apartment. But do rental apartments need social security cards all the time? That highly depends on the state that you’re living in.
But one thing is for certain. And that is that you won’t have to provide your child’s SSN in any case if they’re underage. Just make sure you’ve talked it out with a trained professional. Thus, I hope you have a great day and happy apartment hunting!