How to screen tenant with tax ID but no SSN

Question

Dear Friends,

I am sure someone in BP knowing the answer. I have a rental applicant who has tax ID but no SSN. Do you know any tenant screening software can do the credit and background check in this case? Thank you so much for your response!

Many thanks,

Ken

Eric Worral · Answer

@Ken Wang there are three main indentifiers for running a background check. Name, Date of Birth, and SSN. Without the SSN the ability of the CRA (consumer reporting agency) to cross reference information is hindered. However, we do run reports in these situations. We typically ask the purchaser of the report to enter all 0's for the SSN which indicates to our screening team that a SSN is not available. This is common with renters coming in from out of the country or renters who refuse to share their SSN.I double checked on SmartMove if you can run a report on an applicant without a SSN and it says, "At this time, SmartMove only has the ability to process an application for renters who have a valid U.S. Social Security number." This is according to their FAQ page:https://www.mysmartmove.com/SmartMove/transunion-smartmove-frequently-asked-questions.pageIf you run a background check you won't get the credit score and the file might be a little thin if they're new to the country but it's still worth running in case they have something that pops up.Hope this helps.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

TAX ID NUMBERS

If you can't run a credit background to verify financial worthiness, find another way to verify their responsibility OR do something to mitigate the risk. This could include charging a larger deposit or last month's rent or the first three months up front or whatever.

Caleb Heimsoth · Answer

@Ken Wang you can run their name for background checks but I believe you’re SOL for credit score.  Take a higher deposit if you want to rent to them would be my recommendation

Sami Gren · Answer

@Ken Wang I am now in same situation, would you suggest that rent spree is the way to go?

Ken Wang · Answer

Thanks everyone @Caleb

@Caleb Heimsoth @Nathan G. @Thomas S. @Eric Worral Those are super good suggestions! learn a lot

Fortunately, I found RentSpree let me run credit report using tax ID, and back ground search. I am all good now, and thank you again for the tip!

Sincerely,

Ken

How to screen tenant with tax ID but no SSN

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