Luna Harper
When it comes to renting an apartment, landlords often require a rental application to be filled out. This application typically includes personal information such as name, age, and date of birth. While requesting age might be illegal, asking for a birth date is legal and helps verify the applicant's identity. RentPrep, a tenant screening service, also requires the applicant's date of birth to run a background check and match it with their name and SSN in their database. This ensures that the tenant is who they claim to be and helps landlords make informed decisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of birth requested | Yes |
| Reason | Identity verification |
| Other information requested | Name, SSN, address, phone number, email, proof of employment, income from other sources, rental history |
| Permission required | To run a credit report |
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What You'll Learn
Landlords can request a birth date on a rental application
RentPrep, a tenant screening service, verifies the identity of applicants by comparing their name, SSN, and date of birth with the information in their databases. This step is crucial to ensure that the applicant is who they say they are and to reduce the risk of false matches in background checks.
Additionally, requesting a birth date can help landlords ensure they are complying with fair housing rules. While these rules prohibit age discrimination, they typically do not apply when renting out a room in a personal residence. By obtaining the birth date, landlords can confirm that they are renting to an individual who meets the age requirements for a lease agreement.
It is important to note that landlords should consult with an attorney to determine if requesting a birth date is in their best interest and to ensure compliance with any specific state or local laws regarding rental applications. While it is generally legal to request a birth date, landlords must be cautious to avoid any potential claims of discrimination and to protect themselves legally.
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Date of birth is used to verify an applicant's identity
The date of birth is a crucial piece of information for verifying an applicant's identity during the tenant screening process. RentPrep, a tenant screening service, requires applicants to provide their date of birth, among other personal details, to ensure accurate identification. This information is then compared with records in their database to confirm the applicant's identity before conducting a background check.
While some landlords may be hesitant to ask for an applicant's date of birth due to concerns about age discrimination, it is important to note that date of birth is primarily used to verify identity. By cross-referencing the date of birth with other identifying information, such as the applicant's name and Social Security Number (SSN), landlords can ensure they are renting to the person they believe they are. This step is essential, as applicants may intentionally or unintentionally provide incorrect information on their rental application.
In addition to identity verification, the date of birth can also be relevant for credit checks, which are often a component of the rental application process. Credit checks typically require personal information, including the applicant's date of birth, to generate a comprehensive credit report. This information is necessary for landlords to assess the financial stability and responsibility of potential tenants.
It is worth noting that while date of birth can be a required field on rental applications, landlords must comply with fair housing regulations. These regulations prohibit age-based discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunities for all applicants. Therefore, landlords should be mindful of using age-related information solely for identity verification and risk assessment purposes.
In summary, the date of birth plays a significant role in verifying an applicant's identity during the tenant screening process. By comparing the date of birth with other personal details, landlords can confirm the applicant's identity and proceed with further background checks and credit assessments. This practice helps ensure that landlords make well-informed decisions when selecting tenants and minimizes the risk of renting to unverified individuals.
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Applicants may be uncomfortable providing their date of birth
Applicants may feel uncomfortable providing their date of birth due to concerns about potential age discrimination. While requesting a date of birth is standard for identity verification, some applicants may worry that this information could be used to discriminate against them during the screening process. This concern is valid, as age discrimination is illegal, and some state laws prohibit questions about age. Applicants should know that their date of birth should only be used for legal purposes, such as ensuring they meet the minimum age requirements for the position.
In the context of rental applications, some applicants may be hesitant to provide their date of birth due to privacy concerns or a general reluctance to disclose personal information. They may also be unsure about the landlord's intentions in requesting this information. However, it is essential to note that landlords typically request a date of birth to verify the applicant's identity and ensure they are renting to the person they are dealing with.
To address these concerns, applicants can inquire about the purpose of collecting their date of birth and how it will be used in the screening process. They can also review the company's privacy policy or data handling procedures to understand their rights and ensure their information is protected.
Additionally, applicants should be aware of their rights if they encounter age discrimination during the application process. They can politely decline to answer questions about their age or point out that such inquiries are off-limits. Applicants can also choose to answer in a vague manner, emphasizing their qualifications and suitability for the position without directly disclosing their date of birth.
While applicants may feel uncomfortable providing their date of birth, it is important to remember that this information is typically used for identity verification and legal compliance. Applicants can protect themselves from potential discrimination by understanding their rights and remaining vigilant throughout the application process.
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Landlords can ask for an applicant's SSN or government ID
Some tenants may be hesitant to provide their SSN due to fears of identity theft and other issues. In these cases, landlords can use tenant screening services that allow the tenant to provide their SSN directly to the platform, rather than to the landlord. Alternatively, tenants can provide alternative means of screening, such as a free credit report from one of the three credit bureaus or a self-purchased criminal background check. However, many landlords will simply reject an application that does not include an SSN, especially if the property is in high demand.
It is important to note that landlords must be consistent across all applications. It is a violation of Fair Housing Laws to ask one rental applicant to provide their SSN when other applicants did not need to do so. Additionally, landlords must ensure that they are not violating discrimination laws when requesting or rejecting applicants' SSNs.
While it is legal for landlords to request an applicant's SSN, applicants also have rights that need to be maintained. Applicants are allowed to ask questions about how their information will be used and stored. It is recommended that landlords educate themselves on tenant screening and work with applicants to find a solution if they are hesitant to provide their SSN.
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RentPrep's screening reports are delivered in Stessa
RentPrep is a tenant screening service that offers credit checks and rental background checks for tenant applicants. The company's screening reports are delivered in Stessa, a platform that helps rental property owners track, manage, and optimise their portfolios.
RentPrep's screening process involves first verifying an applicant's identity by comparing certain identifiers such as name, SSN, and date of birth with the information in their database. This is to ensure that the person applying for the apartment is who they say they are. Once the identity of the tenant is verified, RentPrep runs the information through the databases of the search package selected by the landlord. The final step is to check that the data is compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Non-compliant records are omitted from the report to protect the landlord.
RentPrep's Credit Report + Full Background Check service is fast and thorough and has been proven to deliver higher-quality tenants. The company has completed over 2 million screenings since 2007 and has over 21,000 landlords as clients. RentPrep's screening has been shown to reduce tenant defaults by up to 25% versus other screening solutions, according to a recent study done in partnership with a large property management company.
Stessa is a powerful platform that offers a suite of leasing tools, including the ability to list vacancies, review applications, screen tenants, and sign leases – all in one place. Stessa currently serves over 250,000 landlords.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is legal for a landlord to request your date of birth on a rental application. This information relates to your identity, so landlords can be sure they are renting to the person they are dealing with.
Yes, RentPrep requires your date of birth to verify your identity before running a background check.
RentPrep also requires your name, SSN, and address to screen a tenant.
No, RentPrep can accommodate landlords who do not collect the applicant's SSN. However, you may need to use SmartMove instead of RentPrep if you need a full credit report.
Yes, many tenants feel more comfortable providing their SSN directly to the platform. You can use tenant-involved screening services where you enter your information into a secure site and give permission for the platform to collect your data.
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