<p>My roommates and I were about to sign a lease for an apartment near campus. However, the live-in manager insisted that I provide my social security number, bank statement, and driver's license info as well as the same things from my parents. I understand those are not unusual requests when renting an apartment, but when I discovered that he's not the owner of the building and refused to give any information on who his boss or higher up supervisors are, I became uneasy and put off signing the lease. He also has no business card or some kind of certification that he is authorized to sign the lease as a landlord. The lease contract would be meaningless if he has no liability for any breach in contract or if he mishandles our personal information. I made an appointment with student legal services, but my appointment is a week away and I have to make a decision soon. Has anyone had similar experiences? And how did you resolve it? What are my rights as a tenant?</p>
<p>If he is not the owner and refuses to provide information about contacting the owner, I would not sign the lease.</p>
<p>In housing law, the landlord has a duty and obligation to disclose information to tenets about management including property ownership. If he is denying your basic rights as a tenet even before you signed your lease, it could only mean that the future with this apartment does not appear bright. I would stay away and look elsewhere if possible.</p>
<p>Unless you can get somebody who currently lives in the apartment to vouch for the live-in manager, I would find another apartment.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention that I already paid a deposit 
and dont’ know if I can get it back. Also, I have 4 roommates who are counting on me.</p>
<p>I do know people who live there now and they say it’s fine, but what would their word mean? They only know the landlord for a year and I’m not even sure if he’s worked there for more than 2. </p>
<p>I really appreciate your response though!</p>
<p>UCLA has a student law department at Murphy that deals with stuff like this. I think leasing issues are the most common things they deal with since most students don’t have their own attorneys. Give them a visit/call and find out what you should do since I believe they give sound legal advice and may even provide representation.</p>
<p>thanks! i already made an appointment. :)</p>