AppFolio collects some of the most sensitive personal information possible: Social Security numbers, complete financial histories, credit reports, and criminal background checks. This data is shared with screening networks, retained indefinitely, and can affect your ability to get housing for years.
| Data Type | Collected | Shared | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security Number | Yes | Credit Bureaus, Screening | No |
| Credit Report | Yes (pulled) | Property Managers | No |
| Criminal History | Yes | Property Managers | No |
| Rental History | Yes | Screening Networks | To screening services |
| Payment History | Yes | Credit Bureaus (late payments) | No |
AppFolio collects and stores Social Security numbers for tenant screening. This sensitive identifier is retained and creates significant identity theft risk if breached.
Your application data feeds into tenant screening networks. Past issues—including disputed charges or unlawful eviction attempts—may follow you to future applications at any property using these networks.
AppFolio retains tenant data indefinitely. Your complete rental history—applications, payment records, maintenance requests, any violations—remains in the system permanently.
Automated screening using credit and criminal data can perpetuate discrimination. These algorithms may disproportionately affect protected classes, raising fair housing concerns.
When you apply through AppFolio: