Rental application- social security number collection

[Luke Hoffman]

We are about to give our first rental application out. On the application from bigger pockets landlord forms it asks for their social security number. It feels very weird asking for that. Can someone help me get over the hurdle of not wanting to ask for it? Or give me a reason why I don’t need to ask for it?

[Aaron W.]

@Luke Hoffman The SSN is to run the background check on the applicant. I am also leery to give or ask for a SSN as I am very security conscious. Ensure you protect this information if the tenant gives it to you and ensure they don't email this application with the SSN or email the SSN to you.