when fillinf out rental apps, often you are asked to give socsec #, as this is a private piece of info, is it legal to just give it to anyone out there. It could be a disaster in the wrong hands. I am talking indentity theft.
2007-09-25 21:03:07 · 2 answers · asked by lliw4u 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Yes it is legal. The reason they ask you for your SS# on a rental application is because they want to do a background check on you like for example:
1. Credit Check.
2. Rental History (if you had any prior evictions, non-payment of rent, etc.)
3. Make sure you are who you say you are.
4. Check your employment. (are you currently working? how long?).
These days people have to be careful who they rent to. Nobody wants to rent to someone who had evictions, trouble maker, poor credit history for non-payment of rent or other creditors, etc.
As far as your private information being in jeopardy, ask the manager where you are considering renting from how your privacy is protected. I think your privacy is more protected today than it was years ago. Everything is on computer now and safe with a password instead of just having your personal information in a file cabinet. Hope this helps :o)~~
2007-09-25 21:40:45 · answer #1 · answered by sassy4usa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because renting a house or apartment is a financial transaction it is legal to require a SSN.
2007-09-26 04:31:19 · answer #2 · answered by Drixnot 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋