Non-US Citizen Credit & Background Screening w/o SSN

[Tyler M.]

Question #1: A non-US citizen is interested in renting my property. To run a credit and background check on SmartMove (BiggerPocket recommended), the applicant must provide a social security number. How do I perform a background and credit check on someone who does not have a SSN or an ITIN? Is there other documentation could I legally ask to see to verify identity and status?

Question #2: The applicant said she is an international student and would move into the house with her mom and high school aged brother. I do not believe any of them have a SSN or ITIN. Based on my qualifications, I require applicants to earn at least 3x the monthly rent. Without a SSN or ITIN I'm not sure how they would be (legally) funding the monthly rent. Can I state the requirement that I require an applicant to earn at least 3x the monthly rent in an email reply to her even though I'm only assuming they can't meet that requirement? Or should I let her move forward with the application and bring this fact up later? Is it possible that someone outside of the country is funding the property and how would I verify this income and could I decline their application because the money is not earned by someone residing in the home?

Any input is greatly appreciated. This is the first time a non-US citizen has inquired about renting one of my properties and I want to screen them fairly and legally.