Doing a background check without a Social Security number from a rental can often be done. The good news is that you do not need an SSN on an apartment rental application to screen a prospective tenant.You should be able to rent an apartment without a Social Security number provided you have a student visa or Permanent Resident Card (a.k.a. If the applicant does not have a social security number, you generally can't run a credit report or nationwide criminal check. Any screening service compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) should be able to pull these reports without a Social Security Number. Most rental applications will ask you to provide:. Providing a social security number is part of the process when signing a lease. We require a photo I.D. (a driver's license or other government issued photo identification card) and a social security card. If any family member does not have a Social Security number, they must submit a signed certification that they have no number.