7 Steps to Great Applicants
- Application Fees
- Credit Reports and Credit History
- Other screening services
- Megan's Law notice
- Checking RENTAL history
- Verifying income
- Visit applicants current residence
One of the best ways to verify income is with a pay stub that shows the YTD (year to date). Be sure the Social Security number on the pay stub matches. Even when a applicant provides a pay stub with a YTD, call their place of employment to insure that they are past any probation period and that there job is secure. This is also a good time to get a feel for the character reference for the tenant.
If the tenant is self-employed, be sure to verify his/her income with 3 months of bank statements or tax returns for the past 2 years. Phone verifications from self-employed are very suspect because the owner, or someone that works for him/her, will be providing the information to you.