Credit Bureau Report

• Nearly all larger Pennsylvania landlords and real estate management companies, as well as many smaller property owners, require a report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Each of them require a Social Security number, together with a birthdate and other personal information to verify identity and prevent unauthorized access.
  
  

Required Information

• Even for those Pennsylvania landlords that do not access a credit bureau report, a Social Security number represents a prime way to identify the potential tenant. This provides a measure of recourse in the event the renter leaves prematurely, causes significant damage or does not pay the agreed-upon rent for a number of months. Lawsuits, warrants and eviction proceedings generally require a Social Security number to proceed.
  
  

Advance Rent and Security Deposit

• Many smaller Pennsylvania landlords will permit tenants to move into their properties with a simple lease, accompanied by the payment of first and last month's rent and security deposit. This money provides protection against property damage or tenants inclined to skip out without paying for the last month. These landlords may not require a Social Security number, and may proceed with or without personal references.
  
  

Month-to-Month Lease

• Some Pennsylvania landlords who rent rooms out either within their own homes, or those dedicated exclusively for rental, require little more than an on-time monthly payment and several personal references. A Social Security number is rarely necessary in these cases, which are suitable for transient individuals or those with little money. Some hotels and motels also rent out spare rooms on a monthly or long-term basis and may simply require a valid credit card rather than Social Security number or references.