Panda12,
My system involves a 2-step approach to dealing with the government and other entities as far as your SSN is required. Unless you aspire to be a total outlaw, use your "official" SSN where you absolutely HAVE to (W2 forms and so forth) but feel free to to employ some creativity where you don't. While the IRS needs to have your "real" SSN, your apartment complex does not. It's all about creating misdirection.