Doing a background check without a Social Security number from a rental can often be done. 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.A social security number is not mandatory for a credit check. You can order a credit report with a name and address. However, a landlord can and should ask for a ITIN number when screening a potential tenant, if a tenant doesn't have a social security number. I use TransUnion's SmartMove for tenant screening, and I do not see SSN's of prospective tenants or account numbers on their full credit report. 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.