Opening security deposit account for tenant with no SSN / TIN

[Michael Wolffs]

This is a very specific question, but probably not all that uncommon a situation especially for LLs who specialize in student rental.

I have a new tenant who's a foreign student.  They're on an F1 visa, and I've confirmed their validity with the school they are attending.  They've given me a bank check for the security deposit.  They also gave a fill out I-8 form, which appears to be appropriate for this situation.  However, as a non-resident foreign national, they don't have an SSN.  Note that the unit in question is in Jersey City, NJ, but I don't think this is a location specific issue.

I went to the bank that's been handling my security accounts.  Without an SSN or TIN, they just flat out won't open an account.  I will have to try other banks.  I'm worrying that this is common.

What have other LLs who've had to deal with this done?  Have you found banks that will open accounts with an SSN but with an I-8?  Are there other ways of handling this?

Any help appreciated.