[josh1r]

I've never heard of this requirement (in NY anyway), and wasn't sure if it was a CT requirement.

Thanks.

[AuroreNatasha]

I have a rental application that asks for SS, bank account numbers, credit account numbers, and a full credit report, sensitive info included. Annoying, but I'm assuming it's legit since I'm working through a realtor.

[Stylo]

I'm not sure what you mean by "real estate contract".

There's TONS of paperwork when buying a house. You undoubtedly will have to furnish it several times, including to the IRS.

As far as rentals, that is completely up to the landlord.

[willow wind]

There is no state requirement for a social security number on a real estate contract for purchase of a home. However, there is a reason why it is being asked for.

Your deposit money, your down payment, has to go into an individual, interest bearing escrow account set up in a bank, by the real estate agency, but in your name. To open that account, they need your social security number.

Rather than put you SS number on the real estate contract, tell the agent you will provide a separate W-9 form to the broker in the listing office with the info after your offer is accepted.

If the real estate contract you're talking about is a rental agreement, then they're asking for your SS number so they can run a full credit check. They can run a credit check without one, but it is not necessarily a complete credit check.

[josh1r]

Sorry, I was referring to the contract with the seller.

[josh1r]

Yeah, it was confirmed that I don't have to put it on the contract, they'll supply it separately.

[willow wind]

If you are dealing with a private seller, no real estate agent involved, the same thing is true. The seller has to set up an account for your deposit money. Once again, you do not have to put your SS number on the sales contract. You can provide a W-9 form with the info directly to the seller's attorney after your contract is accepted.

It will be the attorney who will be setting up the account.

However, you should be clear with the seller as to why they want your social security number. This is the
only reason you need to give it out as part of the sales contract. The seller may not be aware of the trust account he or she has to set up and may simply want your SS number just for the heck of it or to run a credit check.

[parentologist]

Not to buy. If you're renting, landlord may ask for it.