Apartment applications: invasive?

Question

Mine request that I give:

1) driver's license
2) Soc number
3) bank acct number

What's up with this? I don't feel comfortable with any of it. And why DL? I understand the other two.

Also, can't you just write up something agreeing to pleading "no contest" if it goes to claims court over failure to pay? Shouldn't that be sufficient?

Answer 1

this is not a matter of law but of preference. Either fill out the requested information or not. If you do not, they don't have to rent to you. It's just that simple.

Answer 2

Social Security number makes sense, to run a background check.

DL number and especially bank account number do seem invasive. Maybe fill in bogus info?

No, there are very strict laws regarding landlord/tenant relationships. No court would uphold such an agreement as you suggest. Besides, the reason is that the landlord doesn't want to even go there. They want to know you have a good history of paying the rent on time. Many renters are what you would call judgement proof. They have no assets to seize, and not enough income to garnish. I've been burned on that one a few times when I was a landlord many years ago.

Answer 3

This is standard stuff where I live . The point is that a tenant can do so much damage if they move into an apartment, that landlords or property managers need to screen carefully to prevent trouble. Courts are good at requiring arrear rent to be paid, but do not enforce their orders. People who are deadbeats cost us all a lot, not only in monetary losses, but especially in loss of pricacy.

Answer 4

They want to do a background check on you. Before you move into their home or property they want to make sure you didn't screw prior landlords, set arson to a building, rape young children, not pay your bills, ect.

One does not plead not contest in a civil matter, only criminal and no you can not sign away your legal rights to contest matters in court, if they asked you do that, now that would be illegal.

Answer 5

In determining your character and abilty to pay, all of these may be needed to run a thorough backround check. After all, it is their property and they have the right to rent to someone who is responsible enough to take care of it and make the payments on time. So, no, it's not invasive to me.

Answer 6

Drivers license makes sense but don't give them your bank acct number. Talk to them. Mabye they're optional.
As for claims court, you still have to go to court.

Answer 7

Plead the insanity defense. Wait, Wrong question,......