Applicant claims he has a painting company, what to ask to prove?

[Nina Zou]

Applicant claims he has a painting company and put down monthly income as $6,000. What Shall I ask him to submit as the proof of  his income? W2 or something else? 

[JD Martin]

If he owns his own painting company he's not going to have a W2 from someone else. But he should have a tax return, if you are in doubt of his ability to pay the rent. He could also demonstrate regular deposits into a bank account with account numbers redacted. If your area requires licensing, you can check to see if he is licensed. You can check his insurance to see if it is paid and up to date. 

All that said, if you have any doubts whether he can pay you should just move on to another applicant.