Applicant doesn't want to provide social security number

[Jasmine H.]

I have two applicants (they are friends) who want to move in with a nanny for one of the applicant's child. They love the place and we like them and think it will be a good fit. The issue is they don't feel comfortable with providing their social security numbers and we don't feel comfortable accepting an applicant without one. We processed their application through Corelogic but the company hid the ssn. The tenanta said if we can agree on liability in case of identity theft they would be ok with providing their ssns.

Everything seemed to be moving along just fine until the ssn issue. With everything going on in this day and age with rules and regulations, I don't feel comfortable proceeding. Is a social security number necessary and can anyone provide liability language or direct me to a website that has this type of language?

[Curtis Mears]

@Jasmine Hieke

Move on to the next applicant. They provide the information to protect you and your investment. You have no control if a credit bureau gets hacked and gives up their ssn. And it is much more likely they may have a stolen or bad ssn than someone gets their ssn from you.

[Mary M.]

It sounds like they provided their SS number to the screening company. You should ask for a copy of their IDs, but unless you have a way to guarantee their ss# wont get stolen I would not press it. 

For example my online applications dont show me the SS#, but it is used to do a background check...  this is pretty standard IMO... 

ETA check your local laws as it may stipulate how a SS# is to be managed and who can require one etc  

for those saying you must get the SS# you might check your local laws and read this https://cozy.co/blog/do-landlo...

[Jasmine H.]

@Jonathan G. They provided their DL, pay stubs, references, filled out the application and completed the information needed for screening. One works at a nonprofit and the other works and has her own business. Their incomes allow them to qualify. I recommend the cleaners we use and they want to use them which to me is a very good thing. They have a good rental score (corelogic didn't provide a credit score just a transunion rental score which looked good to me).

They both applied and signed separate agreements. Our father will be living in the house in a separate suite and take care of the grounds.

Overall, I am ok with having all the information I have plus the last for of their ssns.

[Jasmine H.]

@Mary M. Which screening company do you use?

[Mary M.]

Originally posted by @Jasmine H.:

@Mary M. Which screening company do you use?

https://www.myrental.com/

[Jaquetta T Ragland]

@Jasmine Hieke definitely a deal breaker.

[Jon Kelly]

@Jasmine Hieke stay true to your standards and requirements. You’ll find headaches and issues are almost 99% caused by breaking your own standards.

Move on to the next applicant. Hopefully there’s plenty of other qualified candidates lined up waiting to rent from you.

[Alexander Szikla]

I would be wary - recourse against nonpayment is very important. Especially in this current climate. 

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Jasmine H.:

I have two applicants (they are friends) who want to move in with a nanny for one of the applicant's child. They love the place and we like them and think it will be a good fit. The issue is they don't feel comfortable with providing their social security numbers and we don't feel comfortable accepting an applicant without one. We processed their application through Corelogic but the company hid the ssn. The tenanta said if we can agree on liability in case of identity theft they would be ok with providing their ssns.

Everything seemed to be moving along just fine until the ssn issue. With everything going on in this day and age with rules and regulations, I don't feel comfortable proceeding. Is a social security number necessary and can anyone provide liability language or direct me to a website that has this type of language?

 They are difficult. Deny them, don't give them a second thought.

[David Krulac]

agree @Jerry Lucker  100%, if the applicants are uncomfortable giving an SSN, they don't rent from me.

[Mary M.]

It amazes me how many people did not actually read/understand what the OP posted.