I’ve heard conflicting information about whether a SSN is required to do tenant screening.
Requiring a social security number for tenant screenings is an accepted standard practice for most landlords. However, a social security number, while an important personally identifiable piece of information, is not always needed to run consumer reports. You should check with your tenant screening services provider regarding their business requirements for consumer reports. Obviously the more information that can be provided to a screening provider should be beneficial to return correct information on the applicant. Our screening services provider requires at a minimum the applicant’s name and current address. Helpful, though not required, is the applicant’s previous address, date of birth, and social security number.
Remember that consumer information reported to the major credit reporting agencies including names, addresses, and social security numbers, can be subject to errors in credit reporting, data entry, or filing. This is why reporting agencies and recipients of consumer credit reports do not depend on any one piece of data as the conclusive and exclusive proof of consumer identity. Due diligence is always required at every point in the credit reporting process and delivery.
There are other associated issues regarding the request for and the requirement of an applicant’s social security number for use in tenant screenings. One issue may be state and/or local requirements that could prohibit or limit access and use of consumer reports in housing transactions. Accordingly, you may need to further research the matter.