Is it safe to provide account numbers on a rental application?

Question

Should a rental application ask for both a social security number and bank account numbers? I'm trying to rent a room in a house and would like to know if it is safe to provide this information.

Answer 1

It depends on the individual who receives that information. I might want it to audit (verify) your bank account balance. It's not full-proof, but it can be a measure of the ability to pay.

There's always that possibility that the person could use it for dishonest purposes.

Answer 2

Yes, they need your social for credit check purposes.  As far as your bank account number, it is really not a big deal.  It asks that information on our credit application, and people always question it.  But, when they write me a check to put a deposit on an apartment, their bank and account number is on the check anyway.  For some reason, people don't mind giving me their social security number, but when I ask for bank account numbers, they get uncomfortable.  People get your bank information all of the time if you write a lot of checks.  Bills, grocery stores, gas stations, etc...

Answer 3

why not provide the last 4 digits of the acc't nums