|
|
Article: Housing policies must be consistent; Applicant wonders whether request for Social Security number violates his or her rights
- Article from:
- Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque)
- Article date:
- November 23, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2003 Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque). Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
Question: I recently completed a rental application for an
apartment, and I was asked to provide a Social Security number. Is it
permissible for a housing provider to refuse to rent to me if I do
not have a Social Security number?
Answer: There is no clear answer to this question.
Some people argue that Social Security numbers are the best way to
identify people and check their credit and references, and that
requiring a Social Security number of prospective tenants should be
allowed for legitimate business reasons.
Other people argue that since it is primarily non-U.S. citizens
who lack Social Security numbers, requiring a Social Security number
is a form of discrimination based on ...