Is it normal to provide sensitive information for a rental application?

Full question:

I am trying to rent a beautiful apartment on Roosevelt Island. There is a credit check fee of $100 and they want me to fill out a rental application with my SS#, bank account numbers, and my signature. Is this normal?? Should I worry about identity theft or fraud?

Answer:

A credit check is a standard part of the rental application process. Landlords often require this to assess a potential tenant's financial reliability.

However, you should be cautious when providing sensitive information like your Social Security number and bank account details. Ensure that the rental company is legitimate and that you trust them before sharing this information. If you have concerns about identity theft or fraud, consider asking about their data protection policies or looking for reviews about the landlord or rental agency.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Providing your Social Security number (SSN) on a rental application is common, as landlords use it for credit checks. However, you should only do so if you trust the landlord or rental agency. Make sure they have a legitimate reason for needing your SSN and inquire about how they protect your personal information.