SmartMove and Social Security Verification

[Albert Hepp]

I just used SmartMove for the first time and it was great except for one big problem. It is likely the last time I use it.

I like that in the application phase a prospective tenant doesn't have to give me all their highly sensitive data (social security number mainly), I can just get the non-sensitive other information on an application. When that application looks good and is selected, I sent them the email. Then they input their sensitive information and I get a great credit & criminal report. This even makes file keeping even easier because I don't have to have files locked and highly encrypted/secure because they have social security numbers on them.

The problem: I never get the social security number once they become a tenant. I can ask them for the ss number when they sign the lease, but now I don't have a way to verify it matches what they provided to SmartMove. In the unlikely scenario they give me a fake ss number, or get a digit wrong, I am now in a much worse position to collect unpaid rent if I have to go the collections/garnishment route.

I don't know how a landlord can verify that the ss number I have been provided matches the identity that was put online. It seems like it limits the value/protection for landlord of the service SmartMove provides.

Having done only 1 verification, it seems to me that SmartMove needs to enable the Tenant/Applicant to be able to send this information, verified by SmartMove, to the Landlord when they do enter into a lease. I understand that they may not want it shared with the landlord if they do not enter a lease.

Am I missing something here or is this a major hole in the SmartMove service? I love everything about the service, but won't be using it again because of this problem. Thanks.