is it legal in buffalo ny for a landlord to request a full credit report before renting a property?
2006-07-18 08:21:26 · 6 answers · asked by boo4272002 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Probably, as this would be a method of insuring that you have the financial means to pay for your apartment. If you have a history of paying bills late, for example, or have too many commitments, the landlord would want to know about this before he rents to you. I have had this done for every aparment that I have rented. It isn't an invasion of privacy, if that is what you are worried about, it is common for most landlords to do this. You would need to supply your personal information, including your SS number, in order for them to complete the process, so if you are not comfortable giving them that information, you should look somewhere else...
Here is a link for more information:
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/realestate/habitability.html
2006-07-18 08:30:08 · answer #1 · answered by Jennygrl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Certain parts of your credit report is protected. You may have medical information on there from a major hospital visit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act permits business to inquire about your credit that would relate to the service that may be rendered. If they make a decision based on something that is immaterial to the transaction, they are breaking the law.
If you are refused the apartment, you may protest the decision to your local tenant rights agencies who will investigate the manner at zero or little cost (provided you meet income restrictions). The laws of NY state are some of the most favorable to tenants in the country.
2006-07-18 17:29:13 · answer #2 · answered by Discipulo legis, quis cogitat? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
They just want to see if you're likely to have your rent paid on time.
2006-07-18 16:35:22 · answer #3 · answered by L Jeezy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were renting to someone, wouldn't you want to know if they had skipped out without paying rent to someone before? That is what they're looking for. And yes, it's legal.
2006-07-18 15:29:04 · answer #4 · answered by Someone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, normally they conduct the credit report themselves and just charge you a fee. (normally $25.00).
They want to ensure that you will pay the rent, your credit history is your financial record.
2006-07-18 15:25:38 · answer #5 · answered by lildarlinkristisue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is SOP
2006-07-18 15:29:40 · answer #6 · answered by C B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋