The landlord for the property I manage wants all potential tenants to submit a photo ID with their lease application. Can I require that?
Yes, but you should only use an applicant’s photo ID to verify his or her identity and/or to check on criminal history, rental history, or credit history. You must be uniform and consistent with your photo ID policy by requiring it from all applicants. Never use the photo ID to discriminate against an applicant.
It would be useful to collect in event of collection if that is permissible.
They are always submitted. I wonder sometimes if people discriminate based on the id though.
Yes , I feel that they do. They dont really need to see a picture ID to run an applicants credit. I think if all else checks out, then they can request the ID at the end in order to proceed, but I had a few situations where things were going well, then I submitted the photo ID for an African American applicant and things suddenly went south . We both feel that it was discriminatory based on skin color and the type of hairstyle the applicant had at the time the pic was taken years ago. A shame indeed.
Guess you don’t have rental property.. a picture is worth 1000 words
It’s allowed, and should also be required.. Responsible landlords need to make sure that their applicants are actually the people applying, not someone using another persons identity to gain tenancy.
Yes, we absolutely should. We are entrusting properties worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to Tenants we’ve never met (in most cases). We have an obligation to verify 100% that they are who they claim to be. Furthermore, I have NEVER seen ANY FFHA discriminatory behavior by ANY person in 17 years of property management. Why live in fear of something we are NOT doing? (The Lawyers are telling us how to be free of Fear! Really?) I always do the right thing and I don’t let my clients do the wrong thing, so this is -as with most of… Read more »
In life, all of us are required to provide a current photo id. Examples: airlines security, title at closing, part of getting a drivers license, some credit applications, applications to educational institutions, applications to lease a vehicle — to name a few. Of course it should be part of an application to lease a property.
An ID is NOt required to apply for a “credit card”, an ID is NOT required to buy a home or apply for a mortgage! Submitting a photo ID during the initial application process is just a way to discriminate against people of color! Now if you want a copy of the “tenant” after he or she signs the lease to keep on file as part of a “tenant record” then that is a different discussion!
If the prospective applicant meets all requirements of income and no foreclosures and background check, then DL # and Social should suffice. Discrimination can be avoided.
My thought is why is this even a question?
Isn’t it a normal procedure for Banks and mortgage companies to Require photo IDs?
Why would Landlords or rental management companies not require the same thing???
Did you have to submit your photo ID when you applied for a credit card……..NO you didn’t! Your SSN# and access to your credit report are all that was needed!
Can’t believe this is even a discussion!!!! How could the landlord possibly confirm who they’re dealing with otherwise….or enforce payment on a bad check for that matter. This would really open up the doors for fraud if not allowed.
The same way Citibank, Chase Bank, American Express, or even Discover card enforces payment on a charged off credit card, it’s called your SSN# & credit report!
Not sure if this thread is still active. I understand all points made so far. And we are in the age of ID theft. I am being forced to apply online, I do not have the option of completing paperwork in office. I am being required to scan my ID, bank statements and other info and send it to the landlord in CA. This is odd since there is a property manger here in TX. The info being requested is all anyone would need to become me or trick the banks into thinking to provide the thief personal info over… Read more »
I’ve been a realestate professional for over 30 years. The id should only be verified after the contract to lease has been fully executed. Otherwise this is a 100% discriminatory practice. There is no reason to submit an id with you initial rental application. Your driver license number or present address can’t qualify you as a tenant.
Bingo!!
Can the property manager at my townhouse ask for me to upload my ID after I have been here 2 months already and I already did upload when I applied?
Wow, I just read of the other posts. You guys a living in dream world. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I would bet $100 that none of you are minorities. I see this every month being practiced. Wake up America, racism is alive and well. For example, early this month I have a family of seven applying for a 6 bedroom home but husband and wife have 735 plus credit, no criminal record, no eviction and great Incomes. The ask for the I’d and the deal went south. “To many kids”. 6 bedrooms.
Last but not least. I’ve seem African Americans owners discriminate against African Americans in this situation.
What if the person only just got issued an ID and only the temporary printed ID is available? Can they hold up the process for two more weeks just to wait for the hard copy?
Been a tenant for 30+ yrs. New ownership and management company as of 2022. They are requiring a drivers license to be a part of their file. I have shown the DL in person to verify that I am the person on the lease however they want to store a copy. I will not consent to that because this company is shady and untrustworthy. They cannot even keep a proper accounting record of your rental payments. I have been told that I haven’t paid rent for three months and had to send a copy of return check to prove otherwise.… Read more »