Is it common to ask for extensive personal financial info on a lease application?

Question

We were looking to move into a rental home because our lease term ends at the end of the month. We were surprised to see the landlord wanted very detailed personal information including:

1. Credit card account numbers and balances

2. Bank account numbers, bank's phone number, and balances

3. Other outstanding loan info (car, student, etc), lender names, balances, and account numbers

I understand the need to ask for the prospective renter's SSN, Driver's License Number, and some basic info on their debts and assets (amount owed each month, account balances, etc.).

We did not choose to rent with this landlord because we were uncomfortable providing that amount of personal information to someone, especially with the increasingly high rate of identity theft and fraud. Is it a common practice to require all of this information for renting an apartment / home? We didn't have to give anywhere near that level of information when we leased our current apartment.

--- · Accepted Answer

It is very common, although I'm not sure why landlords continue to ask--unless they are doing a very thorough check on you. I think it's a holdover from the days before credit reports were so prevalent and available, and before identify theft was such a problem. With an account number, a landlord can check to be sure you have an account and that it is in good standing. I think basic balance/payment and bank/lender name is good enough and there is no need to ask for account #'s. As a landlord myself, I don't ask for account numbers. I rely on a credit report to let me know if someone is financially responsible. You have every right to refuse to fill out the application. You may want to mention that you are uncomfortable sharing that information and ask if they really need it. Some landlords will let it go without a problem, especially if they are using a generic application that they didn't create themselves. Good luck!

? · Answer

These are ordinary requests. Birthdate and SS# so he can run a credit score examine. Why SSN? You might percentage a normal identify and birthdate. He demands the SSN to spot you. Drivers License is for ID functions. It tells who you're and if you're registered with the state. No they cant stroll into your financial institution or turn out to be you. Its tougher than you suppose with all of the safeguard instruments the banks and different fiscal locations have in position now. MOST identity robbery is from the web and bank card locations. I honestly ask for plenty extra data additionally.

Anonymous · Answer

The application I handed out to my potential tenants I bought at an office supply store It asked for Bank Account Numbers but I crossed that out Its not something I personally need to know.   Mine also asks for names of creditors address phone number and monthly payment but it doesnt ask for account numbers.   If you ever face this situation again just simply write something regarding Identity Theft and you dont feel comfortable giving out those numbers.

Anonymous · Answer

I agree that it seems excessive.  It is reasonable to verify identity, income and run a "soft" credit check.  But not specific credit card account numbers, etc.

hfrankmann · Answer

The landlord wants to know that you can afford the rent on the property.  This is not strange but understandable if you think about it.  I would rent if the price is right to begin with.

Anonymous · Answer

higher class of lessees, possibly?

It's the lessor's discretion to ask.

Is it common to ask for extensive personal financial info on a lease application?

6 Answers