Renter's rights

[Wolfie]

Are there any good websites out there that talk about renter's rights? I will have to be filling out an application soon and one of the apartments I am looking at is making me a little edgy by the information they are requesting (social security number, driver's license number and checking account number....um hello!)

[KriSpY-Kr3m3]

Kinda like those porno's where there like "get it free here no credit card required"

:P, though I've never tryed...

~KriSpY

[USN_Squid]

My understanding is that they can establish any level of credit worthiness they wish. All the information you mentioned above would normally be used for that. Most states have their own laws as to eviction standards, right to quiet enjoyment, etc. Check with a property management co. or local housing authority.

How is the local market? Are they dying to put people in rentals, or is it difficult to find a vacancy? If the market is on your side, tell them you have the money and that's that. And don't accept their asking price at face value. Everything is negotiable.

One thing I will say for sure, get a form called a "walk-through" inspection. Fill it out with the landlord or their agent present and have them sign it. It's just your word against theirs if at the end of the lease term they want to keep your deposit because of damage to the unit. That's when you whip out the walk through checklist and tell them to mail your check.

http://www.rentlaw.com/

[Wolfie]

Originally Posted by USN_Squid

My understanding is that they can establish any level of credit worthiness they wish. All the information you mentioned above would normally be used for that.

I can understand the social security number to get my credit report and asking how much my salary is, but why do they need my checking account number and driver's license number? I was looking at a different application and they didn't even ask for my checking account number and told me my driver's license was optional to give out. I don't feel comfortable giving a total stranger my checking account number "so they can check my credit worthiness". I also fail to see how my driver's license number will tell them how my ability to pay for my housing is....

[DudeMan]

did it ever occur to you that it may be somthing new.. i dont know about yourlegislation but all thiose would be pretty conclusive that you are who you say you are and not a terrorist with fake id... i dont know tho

check it out, just consult your solicitor, he will know if anything dodgy is up

[fr1j0l3]

Some places run criminal background checks. (drivers license #) They pride themselves on not housing "unsavory" characters, and background checks can help that.

(not saying I agree)

I would never give them a bank account number though. Tell them to get it off the check you write, or to call the bank.

[=DdogG=]

Originally Posted by Wolfie

I can understand the social security number to get my credit report and asking how much my salary is, but why do they need my checking account number and driver's license number? I was looking at a different application and they didn't even ask for my checking account number and told me my driver's license was optional to give out. I don't feel comfortable giving a total stranger my checking account number "so they can check my credit worthiness". I also fail to see how my driver's license number will tell them how my ability to pay for my housing is....

dl# for criminal
ss# for credit
Checking# for account history (lots of returned checks, extremely low activity)

the checking account will tell them if you just opened the account or not, if you are trustworthy on the checks you write, if the account is live and registered to you (possibly also the option of direct draft..... deposit guarantee???)

[CingularDuality]

Originally Posted by =DdogG=

dl# for criminal
ss# for credit
Checking# for account history (lots of returned checks, extremely low activity)

the checking account will tell them if you just opened the account or not, if you are trustworthy on the checks you write, if the account is live and registered to you (possibly also the option of direct draft..... deposit guarantee???)

Yeah, unless you're looking at some really seedy apartments, all of these requests sound legit. Of course, it's entirely up to you whether you want to give 'em the info or look elsewhere. It wouldn't be difficult for them to get the rest of the info that they want on their own. Asking you for it just makes their little background check a lot easier and faster (which equals cheaper if they're paying an investigator to do it).

[Wolfie]

I can understand the reasoning but the idea of giving my Bank name, branch, and account number to a complete stranger for a background check does not sit easy with me. All they really need is the bank name and branch and they can ask the bank their questions (how long the account has been opened, any issues like bounced checks etc).

With my account number, they have access to see who I wrote checks to and for how much and someone during the application process can use that information to access my checking account for other purposes (like withdrawing money and such).

I am also hesitant to give out my social security number for the same reasons (which is why I am going to ask them if it is alright if I obtain my credit report and send it to them).

Later on down the road, I would have no issues with giving them this information, but not before I been around them for some time to get to know them better.

[HSantal]

I think it depends on the state. Is this for Kentucky or Michigan? Or some other state?

If it's Michigan, look HERE
If it's Kentucky, look HERE

I do what I can.