Rental Property Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2014 · 139 posts · 140 votes
I have two applicants (they are friends) who want to move in with a nanny for one of the applicant's child. They love the place and we like them and think it will be a good fit. The issue is they don't feel comfortable with providing their social security numbers and we don't feel comfortable accepting an applicant without one. We processed their application through Corelogic but the company hid the ssn. The tenanta said if we can agree on liability in case of identity theft they would be ok with providing their ssns.
Everything seemed to be moving along just fine until the ssn issue. With everything going on in this day and age with rules and regulations, I don't feel comfortable proceeding. Is a social security number necessary and can anyone provide liability language or direct me to a website that has this type of language?
Tell them if they are uncomfortable giving you their SSN, imagine how uncomfortable it makes YOU feel handing over stewardship to a 6-figure asset to such a party. This is part of life and the world they live in. If they object, they can buy their own property (and wait for their lender to require same).
Frankly, in my opinion, this is a peek into the type of tenant they will be - challenging you at every turn. I would pass on these folks. A tiger doesn't change its stripes. Not worth it.
Move on to the next applicant. They provide the information to protect you and your investment. You have no control if a credit bureau gets hacked and gives up their ssn. And it is much more likely they may have a stolen or bad ssn than someone gets their ssn from you.
It sounds like they provided their SS number to the screening company. You should ask for a copy of their IDs, but unless you have a way to guarantee their ss# wont get stolen I would not press it.
For example my online applications dont show me the SS#, but it is used to do a background check... this is pretty standard IMO...
ETA check your local laws as it may stipulate how a SS# is to be managed and who can require one etc
@Jonathan G. They provided their DL, pay stubs, references, filled out the application and completed the information needed for screening. One works at a nonprofit and the other works and has her own business. Their incomes allow them to qualify. I recommend the cleaners we use and they want to use them which to me is a very good thing. They have a good rental score (corelogic didn't provide a credit score just a transunion rental score which looked good to me).
They both applied and signed separate agreements. Our father will be living in the house in a separate suite and take care of the grounds.
Overall, I am ok with having all the information I have plus the last for of their ssns.
I have two applicants (they are friends) who want to move in with a nanny for one of the applicant's child. They love the place and we like them and think it will be a good fit. The issue is they don't feel comfortable with providing their social security numbers and we don't feel comfortable accepting an applicant without one. We processed their application through Corelogic but the company hid the ssn. The tenanta said if we can agree on liability in case of identity theft they would be ok with providing their ssns.
Everything seemed to be moving along just fine until the ssn issue. With everything going on in this day and age with rules and regulations, I don't feel comfortable proceeding. Is a social security number necessary and can anyone provide liability language or direct me to a website that has this type of language?
They are difficult. Deny them, don't give them a second thought.