Tenant Screening

Tenant screening is the process landlords use to evaluate prospective renters—often by checking credit history, criminal records, income, and rental references—to decide whether to approve a lease. Laws may limit what can be checked, require consent, and prohibit discrimination in how screening information is used.

The Federal Fair Housing Case That Could Reshape Every Rental Application

This federal fair housing case could affect tenant screening rules for 44 million U.S. renter households. It challenges whether common rental application and background-check practices unlawfully discriminate under the Fair Housing Act. This article explains the case, what landlords may need to change, and what renters should watch for. A Landmark Case That Could Change […]

Landlord reviewing tenant rental application forms

Can Your Landlord Ask for Your Social Security Number? The Answer Depends on Your State.

Identity Protection, Legal & Regulations, Personal Finance, Real Estate, Renter Rights / Jack Gilbert

Yes—your landlord can often ask for your Social Security number for screening, but whether you must provide it depends on your state and the rental application process. Many landlords use SSNs to run credit, background, and identity checks, while some states limit collection or require alternatives. This article explains when an SSN request is lawful,

Can Your Landlord Ask for Your Social Security Number? The Answer Depends on Your State. Read More »