Prospective landloard asking for TOO MUCH sensitive information.?

Question

I'm about to move into an apartment building. On the application, the management company asks for:
W2's
2 Original pay stubs
My latest tax return
My bank account numbers AND balances
My supervisors name and telephone number

Does anyone know exactly WHAT documents a prospective landlord can ask for and what he/she absolutely can NOT ask for?

Answer 1

Unfortunately he didn't ask for anything inappropriate...he only asked for information concerning your financial status and your employment status...all of which is necessary to determine whether or not you would make an appropriate choice to rent to. Sucks that they can delve so much into your personal finances that way, but it's justified by saying that they just want to make sure that you can afford to pay rent and utilities and continue to pay rent and utilities. A landlord may not ask your heritage, sexual orientation, etc...basically he can't ask you things that don't have anything to do with your ability to pay rent and utilities.

Answer 2

They shouldn’t be asking for account numbers and balances however the income information establishes for the landlord that you have a steady source of income with which to pay the rent. It also helps the landlord with affordability calculations. If you only make $1,000.00 a month, the chances that you can afford $1,000.00 in rent a month are not very likely. Because so many people will lie on their applications the pay stubs prove your income and the landlord may make a call to your supervisor to confirm that you are employed and will continued to be employed.

Whenever someone applies for an apartment and says that they have $XX,XXX.XX in their bank account, I always say that I don’t care. I tell them “Just because you have money in your account doesn’t mean that you’re not going to run out tomorrow and spend it all or that you will pay it to me in a timely fashion.”

Answer 3

They can ask for whatever they want ... but that doesn't mean you have to give it to them. They also don't have to rent to you, but it's no great loss to not rent from someone who wants to stick a periscope up your butt like these people want to do.

I would never ever give that much personal information to anyone. It's just not safe.

If I were you, I would tell them that you will give them a recent pay stub to prove that you can afford the rent, and a "good customer" letter from your bank branch. A "good customer" letter basically says that you have an account there and do not bounce checks.

Obviously, they will be able to get your bank account number if you pay by check, but your other accounts and all your balances are none of their business. All that matters is that you have enough money in there to cover your rent check. Anything else is your business, not theirs.

Answer 4

Your landlord can ask you for two pay slip that verifies if you have a steady job . He may also ask for an advance on the rent as security . Your supervisors name and phone number to verify that the payslip is legitimate . However I would not suggest that you give him Paperwork about your taxes and with your social security number . Those are confidential and as such should not be is discussed unnecessarily . Do not provide your landlord with the balance that is on you account. This may open you to robber . I would suggest that you find somewhere else .

Answer 5

Oh wow. That's crazy. It depends on where you live as most landlord/tenant laws are state governed. Definitely check your local landlord/tenant statutes. I sure wouldn't give anyone my original paystubs, tax return or bank account information. Supervisor name and contact number to verify employment, yes. I'd offer a letter from my bank as well, but definitly not account information. My pay stubs are mine and I retain mine for tax purposes. No one is getting their hands on an original paystub. I'd offer them a notarized true copy. Background check permission, yes, but I'd start looking elsewhere, that's getting into like nazi landlord territory. I would not feel safe giving my own mother that much information, much less someone I hardly know, especially a leasing office.

Answer 6

The landlord is looking out for himself, and has the right to do that. If you can't afford to live there, then he has a right to know.

If you are on the up and up, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. If you haven't held a job in the last 6 months, why should he/she rent to you. You or anyone else are not special, give the information except the account balance.

As for your bank account numbers, when you pay your security deposit/rent your account number is on your check anyways so he can have it. Have your landlord run a credit check on you. It would give him more information about your history to pay your bills or not. I would do it that way.

Happy Renting, and Good Luck

Answer 7

If you are applying for a rental in a Rent Greared to Income Aparment complex then this information must be given. If not try calling the Landlord and Tenants Group in your community and check what the law is.

Answer 8

You shouldn't have to give anyone your bank account number! I would be weary of that. Everything else seems normal, they just want to make sure you are who you say you are and that you make enough money to pay the rent.

Answer 9

They are allowed to ask for any/all information that allows them to run a credit check and secure themselves with proof that you can afford to pay this, and likely will pay the rent. This landlord has been burned enough, which is why they ask for all this.

You don't like it, don't apply to rent there. Quite simple.

Answer 10

you should not give anyone your bank account no,or tax return or w2