Landlord Requesting W-9

[Kathy Moser]

Hey Real Estate Mavens,

I'm hoping to buy the house I am renting this year or next.  My landlord just sent me a lease renewal and included a W-9 Request for Taxpayer ID.  I've never had this request before.  I understand why he might want my social, I want to maintain a good relationship with him, but wanted some input on if this is normal?  I've been here 3 years, am the best tenant they have.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks in advance.

[Robert Johnson]

What state are you in?  Normally, the W-9 is requested by landlords when they are segregating your security deposit into a separate account and they need that info for that.  Some states require it.  Almost no landlords do it.