License and SS card question

[Britta Soto]

Is it normal procedure to request a copy of the drivers license and social security card, and an application fee, before accepting the application? I want to make sure that they are not using someone else's name and SS number right? Also do you collect a credit processing fee for every adult?

[Michele Fischer]

It is normal to collect an application and fee from every person over 18, but check your local ads to see what other landlords in the area are charging.  We've elected to do free screening to get a larger applicant pool.  We do a pre-screen and don't pay to go further on weak applications.

We take a photo of the license, but only take the SSN number.  The license helps us know the correct person is authorizing us to run their credit, and comes in handy later if there is criminal activity on the property.

We've had people who are hesitant to give us their SSN, they have been through identity theft.  I share with them how they can verify who we are, and explain we won't move forward without it.