Thread: Is it typical on rental applications to be asked for your banking account numbers?

I'm new to the whole apartment rental scene, so my knowledge in this area is fairly limited. Why does the landlord need to know this number and is it safe to give it to them?

no!!!! it is never ever ever ok to give anybody your bank account numbers, f that . maybe you should stay home with your parents, you've got allot to learn

Many rental applications ask for this information because if the landlord ends up suing you, it is easier for them (to get a writ of execution after getting a judgment) if they have all your bank information. As for it being safe to give out the info--who can promise there isn't some crook out there abusing this. I would suggest filling in a partial account # on the application, if possible. As I landlord, I don't ask for this information on the application. I get it anyway once the applicant writes me a check.

It could be a common thing where you're at...
But afterpersonal experience living in N.Y. state, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts and now Texas...It seems to be a bit odd to me. Landlords can check your credit rating by just pulling it up off the big three credit reporting agencies.

IF your landlord is checking out your financial ability to pay your rent...It seems to me he/she could just call the bank and ask if you have an account there. (In the states I've lived in, Banks do not regard information of account status as private)

I'd call the Better Business Bureau in your location, and ask them "Is my landlord asking for my bank account numbers...a NORMAL and legal thing."

And don't give the landlord your number unless the Better Business Bureau tells you it's okay.


And apologies if you're NOT in the United States.
My information will obviously not apply to you.

Good luck to you.

They dont need your account and bank numbers, they can sue with your social, if that is what it would come to. I would just fill it out and blank out all the numbers except for the last 4 just like the banks do.

They do not need to know your bank account information. If they require this, ask what will this be used for? Protect yourself.....

Give it to them if you really want the apartment and then go change accounts. Personally, I wouldn't give it to them I would just say that I have a checking or savings at such and such bank. Anyone who says it is his right to know is out of their minds, he doesn't!

Also, I may have a bank account, but if I pay you by money order you are never going to know my account numbers.