# can a potential landlord legally ask for your bank account #s and SS security #s? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 29, 2005, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110 "2005-09-29T22:29:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![beckiemoriello](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@beckiemoriello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beckiemoriello)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/1 "2005-09-29T22:29:06Z")
quick google search didn’t do it. anyone know offhand? ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/2 "2005-09-29T22:40:00Z")
> [@beckiemoriello](#): > > quick google search didn’t do it. anyone know offhand? They are allowed to pull your credit. Regarding their right to ask for it, there is no better advice than this: > [@](#): > > If a business or other enterprise asks you for your SSN, you can refuse to give it. However, that may mean doing without the purchase or service for which your number was requested. For example, utility companies and other services ask for a Social Security number, but do not need it; they can do a credit check or identify the person in their records by alternative means. [http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std\_adp.php?p\_faqid=78&p\_created=955482891&p\_sid=2pJRMOQh&p\_lva=&p\_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NjUmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPTE2LDAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0xLjE2OzIudTAmcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9Mg\*\*&p\_li=&p\_topview=1](http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=78&p_created=955482891&p_sid=2pJRMOQh&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NjUmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPTE2LDAmcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0xLjE2OzIudTAmcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9Mg**&p_li=&p_topview=1) The same applies to other financial information. You might be able to refuse to provide it, but if you do, they probably won’t give you the apartment. ---
**Author:** ![beckiemoriello](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@beckiemoriello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beckiemoriello)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/3 "2005-09-29T22:46:35Z")
thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/4 "2005-09-29T22:52:00Z")
You are welcome. There is one other aspect of this question that I should mention: > [@](#): > > Consumer information safeguards > The far-reaching and complicated Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act requires some apartment owners and property management companies to disclose their privacy policies and practices regarding renter’s credit information and back rent collection efforts. > > The act is primarily designed to free banks, securities firms, and insurance companies to affiliate and enter each other’s businesses. However, the rule extends to other companies, including apartment owners and management companies who use credit bureau and collection agency services and engage in community development activities. > > For example, a property management firm might have to share a renter’s personal information with a bill collection service in an attempt to collect back rent. Also, a property manager may have to release a renter’s credit information to the property owner for lease approval or denial. > > In these two examples, the actions would fall under Title V of the act. Title V, whose key provision addresses privacy issues, is triggered if a financial institution shares consumer information used to render a decision about financial services. Title V requires the company to disclose to renters its privacy policies and practices, including how a consumer’s information is shared. > > In some cases, financial institutions and real estate firms must also provide consumers with an opportunity to opt-out of any information-sharing arrangements. > > The FTC rules became effective Nov. 13, 2000 — with full compliance mandated for July 1, 2001. That’s to give the FTC and other governing agencies time to iron out — among other matters — some uncertainties about what type of real estate companies must comply. > > Determining just which real estate companies and property owners fall within the act’s provisions is complicated. To be on the safe side, apartment industry trade groups advise owners and management firms to consult with counsel to determine their status and if they must comply with the new law. > > “The message is for a company to review if their activities are covered by the act. Applications to the real estate industry are pretty complex,” says Jay Harris, vice president of property management with the National Multihousing Council. The industry group has provided Gramm-Leach-Bliley guidance for NMHC members on its Web site at [www.nmhc.org](http://www.nmhc.org). [http://www.rentals.com/owner/content2/newsArticle/newsArticle\_083a.html](http://www.rentals.com/owner/content2/newsArticle/newsArticle_083a.html) So some landlords might have to comply with Gramm-Leach . . . ---
**Author:** ![aamco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@aamco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aamco)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/5 "2005-09-29T22:54:57Z")
There are a myriad of ways for checking your credit without your Social Security number. I won’t speak for your landlord, but if someone takes care of their identity and credit (hallmarks of responsibility, IMHO), I would deem them more likely to take care of my apartment. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/6 "2005-09-29T23:02:06Z")
> [@aamco](#): > > There are a myriad of ways for checking your credit without your Social Security number. A myriad you say? How about sharing one with the group? ---
**Author:** ![filmyak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/94ad74/32.png) [@filmyak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmyak)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/7 "2005-09-29T23:04:30Z")
As a small time landlord, you better believe we ask for a ss# before renting to a potential tennant, as it’s the only way I am personally aware of for getting a credit/background check. Heck, we had one guy swear he had no criminal record and a solid credit rating. Luckily we ran his info and found several arrests and a horrific credit score, not to mention he had been evicted over 3 times. So you can’t blame a landlord for wanting to cover their own butts. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/8 "2005-09-29T23:06:59Z")
Here is a good article about when you are \*required \*to provide your social security number. Note that the author concludes: > [@](#): > > Major credit bureaus ask for a Social Security number when consumers request a credit report. Evan Hendricks, editor of Privacy Times newsletter, recommends giving the number to the bureaus, since they generally have it and are using the number for authentication purposes. > > Be prepared, though, for companies deciding not to do business with you if you don’t give them the information they want. [http://www.latimes.com/business/investing/bal-bz.ambrose28aug28,1,7561139.column?coll=la-utilities-business-money](http://www.latimes.com/business/investing/bal-bz.ambrose28aug28,1,7561139.column?coll=la-utilities-business-money) ---
**Author:** ![aamco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@aamco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aamco)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/9 "2005-09-29T23:18:09Z")
Well, the easiest way would be to sign up for a rental agency, bitch about their policy, ask to talk to the manager, convince the manager he doesn’t really need your Social Security number, and then let them do the legwork in finding your credit when they go to pre-approve you. (which is what I did) During the discussion with the manager, I questioned the legality of using SSN’s as identifiers (a practice which the [SSA discourages](http://www.ssa.gov/oig/executive_operations/factsheet1.htm)). He claimed that I was creating more work for them (e.g. it could be done but it was a hassle), and I told them that they should outright reject renters who were so careless as to toss their SSN’s around without at least a small objection. That got me some sympathy laughter, and although it took longer than usual (normally they can pre-approve you in 15 minutes, they took the entire afternoon to process my application), they did it. I have also gotten a credit report over the phone, and given my reluctance to share my SSN in general, I believe I got it without much of a hassle either. If I had to give it out, there was the option of sending the credit report directly to a third party (obviating the need for the third party to have my SSN). ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2005, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/10 "2005-09-30T03:47:12Z")
> [@aamco](#): > > During the discussion with the manager, I questioned the legality of using SSN’s as identifiers (a practice which the [SSA discourages](http://www.ssa.gov/oig/executive_operations/factsheet1.htm)). Where in there did you see the SSA opposing use of SSN’s as identifiers? It starts out like this: > [@](#): > > The SSN is critical to SSA’s implementation of its programs and operations. This was originally the SSN’s only intended use. > > The SSN quickly became our de facto national identifier, used as a key means of identification in both the public and private sectors. For example, most financial transactions in our economy utilize the SSN, and the number is used to obtain other identification documents, such as a driver’s license. A statement of historical fact. Originally SSNs were intended for use only within the social security system. But they caught on as identifiers, and were quickly assimilated. It says most financial transactions in our economy use the SSN–I don’t see where it says, “but we wish they didn’t,” or “people should stop this.” The Fact Sheet then continues by discussing misuse of SSNs: > [@](#): > > SSN misuse occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge with the intent to commit a crime. SSN misuse also occurs when individuals use counterfeit SSNs and/or stolen SSNs belonging to others for illegal purposes. Further, SSN misuse includes cases in which individuals obtain legitimate SSNs from SSA by using counterfeit identity and/or immigration documents. So the SSA pretty clearly opposes the use of SSNs in a criminal way. Not a shocking admission. Then it says: > [@](#): > > **The SSN has become a key to social, legal, and financial assimilation in this country. Because the SSN is so heavily relied upon as an identifier,** it is valuable as an illegal commodity. (Emphasis added.) Again, I’m not hearing any words of discouragement here. Then it says: > [@](#): > > The challenge for SSA and the Congress is to find a balance between ensuring the SSN’s privacy and ensuring that businesses and Federal and State agencies are not unduly limited in the process. Despite this challenge, there are important steps we can take to ensure SSN integrity. > > Limit the SSN’s public availability to the greatest extent practicable, without unduly limiting commerce. > > Prohibit the sale of SSNs, prohibit their display on public records, and > > Limit use to valid transactions. Enact strong penalties to further discourage SSN misuse. They don’t say here that SSN’s should not be used as identifiers, even though they certainly could have. > [@](#): > > I have also gotten a credit report over the phone, and given my reluctance to share my SSN in general, I believe I got it without much of a hassle either. Not sure what you are saying here. > [@](#): > > If I had to give it out, there was the option of sending the credit report directly to a third party (obviating the need for the third party to have my SSN). Credit reports have social security numbers on them. I’ve seen reports from at least a dozen vendors. Every one of them has a social. If you had your report sent directly to a third party, they still got your SSN. ---
**Author:** ![MizGrand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cdc98d/32.png) [@MizGrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MizGrand)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2005, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-potential-landlord-legally-ask-for-your-bank-account-s-and-ss-security-s/324110/11 "2005-09-30T12:11:13Z")
Small hijack here…when I was 12 a policeman came to my parent’s house trying to investigate fraud. Turns out my scuzzbucket, dope-fiend, lives off the state, never-had-a-real job cousin (who was considerably older than I) found my SSN while enjoying the generosity of my parents allowing her to stay in our home. She used my SSN for various unlawful objectives and the cops were actually there to ARREST me…a 12 y/o girl. Well, my parents had no problem pointing the finger. It’s been 25 years since and I still hate that scum sucker. ☹