Tenants Needn't Submit Social Security Numbers to Get Key Cards

Rent-controlled and rent-stabilized tenants in landlord's building sued landlord in response to landlord's proposed security system changes. Landlord wanted to install a new security system and to replace the old lock and cylinder of the entrance door with a new electronic lock. Landlord notified tenants that to get a new key card for the entrance door, each tenant had to provide landlord with a copy of his or her government-issued photo identification, plus a Social Security number. Landlord also wanted tenants to sign an agreement not to lend or give the key card to anyone else under any circumstances. Tenants claimed that they shouldn't be required to provide the requested information to landlord. They asked the court to bar landlord from enforcing its requests. The court ruled for tenants in part. The proposed security system doesn't violate any of tenants' rights under their leases or rent regulation. The court found that landlord had the right to request photo identification from tenants before handing out the new key cards. But landlord couldn't demand tenants' Social Security numbers. The court temporarily barred landlord from doing so while the rest of the case was pending.

Ewen v. Terrace Court, LLC: Index No. 103382/05 (Sup. Ct. NY 8/25/05; Kapnick, J) [9-pg. doc.]