It's generally safe to provide your SSN to Zillow within their official application process for background/credit checks, as they use it for identity verification with partners like Experian and have security measures, but you must be wary of scams and never give it to individual landlords or contacts outside the secure Zillow system, as Zillow itself doesn't store your SSN after the check, and scammers often target users asking for sensitive info directly.
At this time Zillow Applications does not provide applicants' social security numbers or dates of birth. Because a landlord can potentially receive many applications, we have extra security precautions in place to protect the renter's personal information.
When you use Zillow Group services to find, buy, rent, or sell your home, get a mortgage, or connect to a real estate professional, we know you're trusting us with your data. We also know we have a responsibility to respect your privacy, and we work hard to do just that.
Square is legally required to collect and verify your personal information to ensure that your account remains safe and secure. The following information is required to activate a Square account: Full legal name. Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Yes, you can refuse to provide your Social Security Number (SSN), but the requesting entity (like a bank, employer, or utility) can also refuse you service, as there's generally no federal law forcing you to give it to private companies unless a specific law (like for taxes or benefits) requires it. While you can say no to businesses, you'll likely be denied the service, though you can ask why they need it, how they'll protect it, or if an alternative ID works, as some, like doctors, might not file insurance without it.
In most transactions, especially those involving financing, identity verification, or large financial transfers, providing your SSN is standard practice—and a secure step in the broader process of buying or selling property.
Don't rent unseen unless you've verified the property with a trusted source. Beware: Red flags include unusually low rent, claims of urgency, and requests for payment before you've seen the rental.
If you do not have an SSN, you can still submit an application. Go through ID verification and leave the SSN field blank. Then pay for your application, and a credit report will be generated for you, and you can submit without a background check.
Is it safe to put your Social Security number on a rental application online? Safety depends on the portal. On unsecured forms, data may leak. With LeaseRunner, encryption protects every SSN on rental application details, so both sides can trust the system.
Nobody is safe to give your SSN to. Some you have to give it to. Employers, financial institutions. Do not share it with anyone else.
Zillow Group, Inc., or simply Zillow, is an American tech real-estate marketplace company that was founded in 2006 by co-executive chairmen Rich Barton and Lloyd Frink, former Microsoft executives and founders of Microsoft spin-off Expedia; Spencer Rascoff, a co-founder of Hotwire.com; David Beitel, Zillow's current ...
Without an SSN, no traditional lender is likely to approve your loan. They will, at the very least, they would want you to have a cosigner with an SSN and excellent credit history if you don't. Although there is a way to get a mortgage as a foreigner without an SSN in the US through ITIN, let's dive into it.
Income verification
To show proof of income, you may be asked to provide copies of pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements with consistent deposits. Income verification is included in a background check to ensure you're able to cover the cost of rent and make on-time rent payments.
Zillow is facing multiple lawsuits in 2025, primarily from government bodies (FTC, NY AG) and real estate firms (Compass, CoStar), alleging antitrust violations, anticompetitive behavior, copyright infringement, and steering buyers towards affiliated services like Zillow Home Loans. Key issues include an alleged illegal deal with Redfin to dominate rental ads, a policy forcing agents to use Zillow's loan services, and using copyrighted photos from competitors like CoStar.
Zillow lists a few other tips to look out for in real estate listings:
Clues That Someone Has Stolen Your Information
Merchants refuse your checks. Debt collectors call you about debts that aren't yours. You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report. Medical providers bill you for services you didn't use.