Landlord screening services obfuscate tenant's social security number and birthdate.

[Corey G.]

I used to use another service for tenant screening but recently started listing my apartments on apartment.com. Well the SSN and birthdate are partially obfuscated when looking over the applications. Do you suggest not using services like this or gathering that information on your own? I'm realizing that I need a SSN to collect on the debts/judgements. 

[Wesley W.]

You need SSN and birthdate in order to try and collect a debt, if need be.

I collect that information directly on my application.  I've always found the background check services do not do a thorough job so I always overlay that service with my own gumshoe due diligence  (talking directly to immediate supervisors, ensuring the previous "landlord" owns the property, checking social media, etc.).

Never rely exclusively on these services.  They do not have any skin in the game and are just automating the process of searching various databases.  No one will care more about your tenant placement than you.