Port Chester, NY · Member since 2016 · 210 posts · 157 votes
What's the best way you guys have utilized income from tenants who are applying for one of your apartments where the couple are both restaurant workers as well as work at the same place? I called today and someone said they work there for a long time, but couldn't say anything else. I would have to call back on Friday to speak to the owner for verification of employment. I also have the last three paychecks from each. They each earn around a grand a week, so they should be able to afford the 1500.00 a month rent. However, anyone have any thoughts on them both being restaurant workers at the same place? This is a first for us.
You're working too hard at this...you have what you need. Now look at their credit scores...are they willng AND able to meet their obligations. What we know from Covid is that service industry employees (and more) don't have savings and 401Ks to fallback on. Finding prospective tenants who value their credit are the ones who will pay their bills even when it means not having a new phone or gadget. Again, you've got what you need...you've got this.
@Mike A., I don't understand your concern. Do you think this is so unusual that they may be lying? Do you think its odd that an employee would be hesitant to say too much to a stranger about another employee?
If they have bank accounts, maybe you can get bank statements and verify they deposited those paychecks. That should be enough to know their story makes sense.
I would think restaurant workers would be fine. The industry might have higher turnover, but they are also easily replaceable jobs. An experienced server or cook should be able to find work at another restaurant very readily especially in this economy.
In my area we have a lot of warehouses serving online businesses like Amazon and Chewy. I apply the same line of thinking there. Some of these warehouses burn out employees and have more turnover, but they can very easily catch on at another warehouse for similar pay.
@Mike A., I don't understand your concern. Do you think this is so unusual that they may be lying? Do you think its odd that an employee would be hesitant to say too much to a stranger about another employee?
If they have bank accounts, maybe you can get bank statements and verify they deposited those paychecks. That should be enough to know their story makes sense.
I would think restaurant workers would be fine. The industry might have higher turnover, but they are also easily replaceable jobs. An experienced server or cook should be able to find work at another restaurant very readily especially in this economy.
In my area we have a lot of warehouses serving online businesses like Amazon and Chewy. I apply the same line of thinking there. Some of these warehouses burn out employees and have more turnover, but they can very easily catch on at another warehouse for similar pay.
Concern is that the employee who answered the phone can confirm they work there, but will not provide any further information. That's not too helpful. Owner is not back until Friday.
Hi @Mike A. my company looks at their 2 most recent employers. That might help you get a 2nd opinion at least. If you need to wait to talk to someone then I would if you have the time. I'm surprised there isn't a manager available to help you with that request instead of waiting for the Owner. Our applicants fill out a form stating that they give their employers permission to share info like that to us. Do you have something like this you could show a manager? In my experience sometimes it's just difficult to get the info you need.
@Mike A. what are you looking to verify? Amount or actual employment there? You called the restaurant and have someone who says they have worked there for a long time, for me that would work. I have had to have a signed document for some places to release more information. A couple of times people have had me call their manager at work as a personal reference since the company was difficult to get verification out of, in that case they haven't been able to say what the employee makes but they have given salary ranges for their cashiers. Can't say what would happen in your area.
As for being at the same place its a non-issue. Unless you know this is a local business that is not doing well and even then as experienced restaurant workers they can likely easily get another job baring another pandemic.
You're working too hard at this...you have what you need. Now look at their credit scores...are they willng AND able to meet their obligations. What we know from Covid is that service industry employees (and more) don't have savings and 401Ks to fallback on. Finding prospective tenants who value their credit are the ones who will pay their bills even when it means not having a new phone or gadget. Again, you've got what you need...you've got this.
Concern is that the employee who answered the phone can confirm they work there, but will not provide any further information. That's not too helpful. Expecting one of their peers to reveal sensitive information to a complete stranger on the phone is a little optimistic. It sounds like you already have the paychecks.
However, anyone have any thoughts on them both being restaurant workers at the same place?
I really don't understand the concern here. If someone needs roommates, it makes sense to pull from your social and work circles to find someone compatible to live with. Would you rather two complete strangers share your house and lock themselves into a long term contract without any history with one another?
It sounds like you are looking for a reason not to rent to these people.
I think your approach is fine. I would check the bank accounts to verify they deposited what the stub says unless they do not have a bank account. How does there credit look? I tend to look at that more in cases like this. The jobs they have are pretty easy to replace if they leave that position. I think you verified them fine. Good Luck Greg