I have a rental prospect without a social security number

[Michael Williams]

Does anyone have a positive history of leasing to a prospective prospect that doesn't have a social security number? If so, what are safe guards to put in place?

[Marcia Maynard]

Yes; we've had a good experience renting to a tenant without a SSN or ITIN. We asked for a higher security deposit because we couldn't verify their credit history.  

If the prospective renter does not have a SSN (Social Security Number), see if they have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.) An ITIN can often be used instead of a SSN for pulling credit information and/or income information.

Social Security Numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S.Citizens, permanent residents, and temporary working residents.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are issued by the IRS to individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a valid U.S. Social Security Number, but who are required by law to file a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Immigration status is not a factor.

There are many lawful reasons why a person may reside in the U.S. and may not be eligible for either a SSN or ITIN. Students and temporary visa holders fall into this category.

There are also many people who reside in the U.S. illegally who do not have a valid SSN or ITIN. Some present with fake ID, including a fake SSN. Learn how to identify such. Regardless of immigration status, you are legally able to rent to illegal aliens in most states. Oklahoma is one exception, so if you have property there be aware.

Without a valid SSN or ITIN, you may not be able to verify credit history, income history, etc, so you may be taking on additional risk. To reduce your risk, request a higher security deposit and/or a valid co-signer. Some landlords require ALL tenants to have a valid SSN or they won't rent to them, but doing so reduces the pool of prospective renters. Many landlords will rent to people without a SSN or ITIN number. Find your comfort zone.

Note, during the application and selection process, if you ask applicants to provide documentation of their citizenship status or immigration status, you must ask it of ALL applicants. In some states it's illegal to ask about immigration status, such as in New York and California. Always check the laws for your jurisdiction.