Applying for a my first apartment - why so much personal information?

Question

So I've found a great apartment - visited it, met with the landlady, and I know the neighborhood (somewhat).

But the apartment application scares me - must I give my social security number? Bank name, and account number?

I understand that a good amount of personal information is needed, but these two scare the crap out of me. Am I paranoid about identity theft? How common is it to ask for SSN and bank account information/numbers in a rental application?

Answer 1

As an apt mgr, you need to give your SSN to verify your credit information and criminal record. The bank account info is not a requirement, we don't really use it. Let her know that you aren't comfortable giving that part out and she should be okay with it. Just go ahead and give your bank name and city. Hope it helps, she is just asking pretty standard questions though.

Answer 2

I know in these days of indentity theft it does raise a red flag whenever someone asks for your social and bank information. But if your renter is a reputable one then they may be just asking for the info so they can verify income and credit history. Most apartments run applicants credit (like most places these days) to see if they have had any bad rental history and they may base your deposit on this information Also a lot of apartments have income restrictions and they want to verify money you may have in the bank that they include as part of your income

If you still feel wary see if you can talk to someone else who lives in the apartment or get in contact with some head honchos of the management company And theres always the better business bureau find out if they have any complaints before

hope this helps

Answer 3

They want to make sure of a few things:

1. You are who you say you are.
2. You are able to make the rent payments on time and have any additional funds in case you lose your job.
3. You haven't screwed anyone else in the past.

Especially since you are renting for the first time, they have to cover their butts.

Answer 4

Yes on all of the apps, sadly too many people don't pay, have to be evicted, and sued latter, so knowing thier id will be needed.

Also most places run backgound checks on you for credit and criminal background, so they will need to know this,

bank records, so they can see if you have had too many bad checks.

Answer 5

Credit reports, and criminal history. Want to keep out vandals and no paying renters.

Answer 6

do NOT give the personal information that you just identified. Why the hell would you give you social security no., and your account number?! those people are probably con-artists

Answer 7

I know how you feel it freks me out too!!I guess they just want to know beacuse they dont know if ur a criminal or sumthin.They want to chek.Good luck!!!

Answer 8

They check your credit, and they want to know if your are responsible and trustworthy.

Answer 9

who they going after if you don't pay the rent?