Background checks without an SSN

[Jim Robertson]

Does anyone know of any places where I can run a background check on an applicant that doesn't have an SSN. They have a drivers license through the Mexican consulate, and permanent resident status (green card). Smart move and the other services I have looked into wont let me use the identification numbers I have from their documents. Does anyone rent to immigrants/ permanant residents? Or does anyone know a service that does background checks on other ID numbers? 

[Aly W.]

When a tenant applies to rent one of our properties, they fill out a one page application which states that there will be a background check if approved. If I can verify the information on the app and then decide to move forward, the tenant must provide the background check fee, a copy of their license, and their social security number. I don't ask for these things unless I am confident at that point that they are a good *potential* tenant.

I have no intention of turning over a piece of real estate that my husband and I have made a significant investment in to someone that would not provide this information. I've never had a tenant say no. I *have* had tenants who said there would be no problems on a criminal background report, then I run it and find, among other things, domestic abuse, theft charges, child endangerment, etc. Some have turned up false SS#'s. On the surface, they seemed like nice people with good jobs, but they lied about their background and had some fairly serious charges. I did not want them living in my property.

An investigation of a tenant is a very good business practice. Have you ever applied for a mortgage to purchase your properties? Lenders practically require DNA samples and your firstborn. You can pay cash, but there is plenty of personal information required for closing.

@Jim Robertson,  for applicants that don't have SS#'s, you can search by name in the state/county database for criminal activity, but I don't know what to do if a tenant has no previous address in the area. Have you contacted American Tenant Screening?