Tenant screening due diligence

[TJ Daniel]

I have a couple potential tenants who submitted their application. Background and credit check came back clean. I’m getting ready call all past landlords in the next day or so. I would like to verify income and employment but not sure the best way to do so. Any suggestions? Is there something I’m missing?

[Daniel A.]

Hello TJ,

This is one of those instances where having a virtual assistant company on hand would be great. You could have them take care of all of this for you.

But, sometimes it's better to learn how to do it yourself.

As to verifying employment and income, their signature on the application authorizes you to make such inquiries. I know that on my applications, it says in big bold letters at the bottom that by signing this, you agree that it is okay for me to reach out to your cited sources and it is okay for them to divulge such information to me. A lot of times when you call their employer, they'll need a copy of the signed application. Have a scanned copy on your computer and email it to them, or if they require a fax, figure out a way to get that handled. Usually once they have that, you can basically ask them pointed questions: How long has [tenant] worked at the company? Is [tenant] hourly or salaried? How much does [tenant] make per (hour/month/year)?

You could also require the tenant to provide you with copies of the most recent pay stubs or a W2.

I have attached a link with some useful information.

https://www.avail.co/education...

I wish you the best of luck and hope that these tenants turn out to be poster tenants.