I was told I needed to fill out a rental application (where ssn is required) before viewing it because he gets several requests a day. Doing a background check without a Social Security number from a rental can often be done.A social security number is not mandatory for a credit check. You can order a credit report with a name and address. We require an applicant's Social Security number in order to run a credit and background check. If you don't provide it, we can't run the check. Since the SSN is a required field, have them temporarily enter any 9-digit number so they can continue filling out their rental application and complete it. A typical background check only requires an individual's name and other information, while a credit check involves an SSN check. Apply for Chicago, IL apartments for rent. Apartments range from studios to 1-3 bedroom apartments for rent.