MH Park Application "credit" questions

[wedvidguy]

Hello,

I am in the process of nearing closing on an old single wide in Exeter New Hampshire. Part of the process is to apply and be approved by the MH Park Owner/Managers.

I have received my park application forms via email from my Realtor. I am disturbed by the fact that this application is asking me to write 3 credit accounts.The card/account names and account numbers! Bells, whistles, and alarms went off in my head immediately at seeing this request on this application! My reaction to this is very defensive. Why would I want to write on a hard copy, very private information about my credit, which can sit in hard copy form, in the Park Managers office, where it may or may not be accessible to anyone and everyone?I give up degrees of control this way and I do not want to give up my control!

I think this is uncalled for and furthermore, if the Park Officials are going to check credit histories and status, all they need is my social security number and not a list of creditors and account numbers. I question the legality of seeking this information on an application? What can anyone tell me about this and have any of you had the same response as I. It is bad enough to have to give your Social Security numbers to all these people in the buying process. I realize everyone/Park officials are protecting themselves against potential delinquent park residents.

Every inquiry into a person's credit is a detriment. It hurts your credit. Some have tried to tell me it doesn't, but the fact is. it does!("Credit checking"- Another involved topic for another time!)

I am opting not to fill-in that information on the application and will attach a note to indicate why. Again - if all that is needed to check credit, is a social security number, then that's what I'll provide, nothing more. Am I an anarchist because I feel this way?

Every step of the way, is one "negative" after another! Humans making life difficult for their fellow humans, nothing more!Play all the ridiculous games and jump through hoops and over hurdles, if you can!

Thanks,
wedvidguy

[David Oxhandler]

I also feel very unsettled every time I am asked to provide credit information. I am usually more disturbed by a request for my social security number than for the type of credit references your potential landlord is requesting. You are applying to move into a private community and management should have an interest in your ability to pay the rent in a timely manner and personal references from existing creditors.

As they are NOT requesting your social security number they can not pull your credit report. Their confirmation of your ability to meet your obligations will have no effect on your credit report, score, or ability to apply for any other credit considerations.

Consider this possibility. A month after you move into the park the new neighbors that just moved in next-door have a party that lasts into the early morning, spills out onto your front lawn where the drunken guests raise hell for hours. You have an early appointment and need to get some sleep. The local police can not respond to a problem on private property unless requested by the owner or manager. Finally you have to call the park manager to restore order.

Would you be happy to find out that management was not permitted, by law, to screen who they were moving in next-door to you?

Management has an obligation to find out if you take your commitments seriously and that your life style will not be disruptive to other residents

For More on Credit checks and credit scroes see:

How to Increase Your Credit Score for a Home LoanDo You Know How Credit Scores Affects You?Looking For A Home Loan? How to Raise Your Credit Score