# if a landlord only wants to verify identity, can he insist I present my social security card? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 25, 2011, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261 "2011-07-25T13:08:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![akimbo\_gait](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@akimbo\_gait](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akimbo_gait)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/1 "2011-07-25T13:08:24Z")
Not for a credit check. I met the person through craigslist btw, but he is willing to meet in person ---
**Author:** ![EristicKallistic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/85e7bf/32.png) [@EristicKallistic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EristicKallistic)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/2 "2011-07-25T13:20:42Z")
He can insist whatever he likes. You are free to say no, and he is equally free not to rent to you if you do. Many landlords run a credit check, for which they probably do legitimately require your SSN. Not really sure why he might want to see the actual card but I guess it can help prove you are who you say you are. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/3 "2011-07-25T13:22:38Z")
How many people have an actual card? Sure, I know my SSN, but I can’t remember ever having a physical card. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/4 "2011-07-25T13:34:51Z")
> [@EristicKallistic](#): > > He can insist whatever he likes. You are free to say no, and he is equally free not to rent to you if you do. > > Many landlords run a credit check, for which they probably do legitimately require your SSN. Not really sure why he might want to see the actual card but I guess it can help prove you are who you say you are. I can’t speak as a landlord, but as an employer we can. The reason is that your photo ID proves that the name you gave me belongs to you and the SS card proves that the SSN you gave me is associated with your name. A passport (amongst other things) will work as well. (Cite: Federal Form I-9) ---
**Author:** ![akimbo\_gait](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@akimbo\_gait](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akimbo_gait)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/5 "2011-07-25T13:46:45Z")
so, given the person is from craigslist (although a google search shows that the person is fairly reputable in a life outside of subleting), is it likely that he will scam me after he has my name dob and ssn? ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/6 "2011-07-25T14:33:22Z")
I curious about how you would establish someone on Craigslist is whoever they say they are? I helped a friend set up a account on craigslist and I don’t remember anything they checked except to verify the email address. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/7 "2011-07-25T14:56:58Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > How many people have an actual card? Sure, I know my SSN, but I can’t remember ever having a physical card. Many employers and universities require that prospective employees and students provide the actual physical card to verify the actual SS#. I have a physical card, but keep it filed away in our safe deposit box. They are a hassle to get replacements. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/8 "2011-07-25T15:35:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\*How can I protect my Social Security number? \*\* > > ``` > You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider. > We do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless: > > ``` > > [ul] > [li] The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency; or[/li][li] Your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business.[/li][/ul] > You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask: > > [ul] > [li] Why your number is needed;[/li][li] How your number will be used;[/li][li] What happens if you refuse; and[/li][li] What law requires you to give your number.[/li][/ul] > The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours. [http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html](http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html) IMHO, there is no need for a potential landlord to know your SSN. It’s not a legal ID. ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/9 "2011-07-25T16:50:21Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > [http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html](http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html) > > IMHO, there is no need for a potential landlord to know your SSN. It’s not a legal ID. As much as the SSA may hate it (and they really, REALLY hate it) the fact is that Social Security numbers have become the _de facto_ personal ID number in the United States. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/10 "2011-07-25T17:36:21Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > How many people have an actual card? Sure, I know my SSN, but I can’t remember ever having a physical card. You’re supposed to have a card. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2011, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/11 "2011-07-25T17:46:48Z")
> [@Diceman](#): > > As much as the SSA may hate it (and they really, REALLY hate it) the fact is that Social Security numbers have become the _de facto_ personal ID number in the United States. You are correct. And as someone who has endured potential identity theft thanks to my bank’s ineptitude, I nit pick every time someone wants something about me. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/12 "2011-07-26T21:00:19Z")
I got a SS card when I was 16, but the physical card has long since disappeared and I don’t believe I have ever used it or been asked for it. It was trivial to replace then (also trivial to get) and I never thought about it. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/13 "2011-07-26T21:55:16Z")
I manage some apartments. We need the number to run a credit check, but I’ve never needed to see the actual card. We have been lucky to avoid situations where a falsified or appropriated SSN was given to us. The physical cards don’t seem like they have any security features. We advertize available apartments on Craigslist. I’ve never been questioned about whether I’m actually the property manager, but the prospective tenants always have to come in person to the actual apartment. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/14 "2011-07-26T22:45:29Z")
From Social Security Administration Publication #05-10001 (Aug 1984): > [@](#): > > Some non-government organizations also use Social Security numbers for recordkeeping purposes. Such use is neither required nor prohibited by Federal law. Although you are not required to give your number, the organization is not required to provide you service if you do not. Knowing your number does not allow these organizations to get information from your Social Security record. So what EristicKallistic said: You don’t have to give the number, and then he doesn’t have to rent to you. Asking for the actual card is unusual. I have it stored away somewhere. I also have a scan of it on my computer. At least one employer was happy to accept an email of that scan in place of the physical card. ---
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/15 "2011-07-26T23:45:50Z")
I have had a job (state of PA-related) for which I did have to present an actual card. I worked for a couple of weeks in a sort of intermediary ‘we can’t pay you’ mode until I got the replacement card I had to order. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/16 "2011-07-26T23:53:30Z")
I have had to present my SS card every single time I gained employment with a new company. Every single time. ---
**Author:** ![Satchmo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/satchmo/32/4223_2.png) [@Satchmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satchmo)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/17 "2011-07-27T00:12:57Z")
Just another data point, I got my card when I was 12, then when I got my current job, that card wasn’t good enough. I had to get one of the new ones. They still let me start, but if I hadn’t gotten the new one, I’d have been let go during my probationary period. The new ones have some anti-counterfeiting features. The old one was just a paper card with the number typewritten on it. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/18 "2011-07-27T11:36:55Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > I have had to present my SS card every single time I gained employment with a new company. Every single time. Guess I’m lucky to be self-employeed. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/19 "2011-07-27T12:21:02Z")
> [@Satchmo](#): > > Just another data point, I got my card when I was 12, then when I got my current job, that card wasn’t good enough. I had to get one of the new ones. They still let me start, but if I hadn’t gotten the new one, I’d have been let go during my probationary period. The new ones have some anti-counterfeiting features. The old one was just a paper card with the number typewritten on it. Interesting. I just got a new card and it looks just like my old one. Maybe a bit bigger, but still paper. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261/20 "2011-07-27T15:01:58Z")
I got my SS card in 1975. I still have the original card, which I have carried in my wallet for nearly 36 years now. I have needed to show it for almost every job I’ve ever had. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-landlord-only-wants-to-verify-identity-can-he-insist-i-present-my-social-security-card/590261.md?page=2)