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.

[Kyle J.]

Albert Hepp Obviously you are going to want to get the tenant's social security number AND verify that it is the correct one prior to them moving in. So why not just have your prospective tenants fill out a written application, and then run their information yourself (using a different service if SmartMove doesn't allow it)? That way you know you get the correct info, or at least it's pretty easy to figure out when they lie to you.