Real estate agent submitted edited pay stubs

[Alison Brenner]

Hi,

I have a listing. I have been processing applications all week. One applicant is being represented by agent. The agent has been persistent in trying to expedite the screening process, repeated reassuring me that the applicant meets my criteria as written. After prescreening the applicant, I ran credit and discovered that the applicant's college-age son does not meet my credit score requirement due to lack of credit. Because I am in California and had other applicants, it is important that I process all applications and try to find one that meets my criteria before accepting one who doesn't. 

I took a second glance at the applicant's documents yesterday and noticed some oddities in the pay stubs for the first time. For example, the year to date gross pay on the September pay stub is identical to that listed on the November pay stub. The tax deductions are ridiculously low...for example, year to date State income tax deduction is listed as $10.52 on $70K in gross income. The applicant works for a public school district and the likelihood of payroll screwing up to this degree across multiple pay stubs is extremely low.

I need to send rejection letters today and don't have time to contact Fair Housing. What should I do? Stop all communication with agent and communicate directly with applicant? The agent has been my sole contact up until this point. Mention the pay stub inconsistencies to applicant and/or agent? Based on the agent's behavior, my gut instinct says the agent may be doctoring the pay stubs without the applicant's knowledge. Or deny the applicant based on the her son's lower credit score and don't mention the pay stub inconsistencies?

I try to give all real estate professionals in my area the respect and professional courtesy they deserve. This is a little frustrating. Thank you for your help.