Protect Your Property: The Importance of Diligence in Tenant Application Review
As of late I’ve been seeing more and more potential tenants applying for units but submitting fake paystubs, so I thought I’d take some time to drop a few tips and tricks. As property managers and landlords, we all strive to find the best tenants for our properties. However, one concerning trend that has emerged is the submission of fake pay stubs by potential tenants. It’s essential to stay vigilant and informed to safeguard our investments and maintain the integrity of our rental spaces. Red Flags to Identify Fake Pay Stubs: 1. **Inconsistent Formatting:** Genuine pay stubs usually have a consistent format. If you notice discrepancies in font, spacing, or layout, it could be a sign of forgery. 2. **Unrealistic Income Figures:** If the reported income seems unusually high for the tenant's employment type or location, it warrants further investigation. Cross-reference the income with the tenant’s job title and industry standards. 3. **Missing Information:** Authentic pay stubs typically include the employer's name, address, and contact information. If any of this critical information is missing, it's a potential red flag. 4. **Incorrect Tax Deductions:** Pay stubs should show appropriate tax deductions based on the employee's income. If the deductions seem disproportionately low or absent, it raises suspicion. 5. **Poor Quality or Blurry Images:** If the submitted pay stub is of low quality or appears blurry, it might have been altered or created using basic software. The Importance of Diligence: While it might be tempting to quickly process applications to fill vacancies, thorough vetting is crucial. Taking the time to verify income and employment can save you from potential issues down the line, including: - **Delayed Rent Payments:** Tenants who misrepresent their financial situation may struggle to pay rent on time, impacting your cash flow. - **Legal Complications:** Accepting a tenant based on fraudulent documentation can lead to legal disputes and costly evictions.