Do rental applications call employers?
When applying for a rental property, it is common for landlords or property management companies to request certain information to determine the suitability of a potential tenant. One of the pieces of information that may be requested is employment verification, which could involve contacting an applicant’s employer to confirm their income and employment status.
Yes, rental applications may call employers to verify information provided by the applicant. This is a common practice used by landlords to ensure that potential tenants can afford the rent and have stable employment.
FAQs:
1. Why do landlords call employers?
Landlords may call employers to verify an applicant’s income, employment status, and overall reliability as a tenant.
2. Do landlords always call employers?
Not all landlords will call employers as part of the application process, but it is a common practice to verify the information provided by the applicant.
3. What other information do landlords typically verify?
In addition to employment verification, landlords may also request a credit check, rental history, and references from previous landlords.
4. Can landlords contact previous employers?
Landlords may contact previous employers to verify an applicant’s employment history and to get a sense of their reliability as a tenant.
5. Do landlords need permission to contact an applicant’s employer?
It is typically standard practice for landlords to request permission from the applicant before contacting their employer.
6. How do landlords verify self-employment income?
For self-employed applicants, landlords may request tax returns, bank statements, or other financial documents to verify income.
7. Can landlords contact an applicant’s current employer?
Landlords may contact an applicant’s current employer to verify income and employment status, but they usually do so discreetly to avoid any potential issues.
8. Is it legal for landlords to contact an applicant’s employer?
As long as landlords have permission from the applicant and only ask for specific information related to the rental application, it is legal for them to contact an applicant’s employer.
9. What if an applicant’s employer cannot be reached?
If an applicant’s employer cannot be reached for verification, landlords may request additional documentation or proof of income from the applicant.
10. How can applicants prepare for employer verification?
Applicants can inform their employers in advance that they may receive a call from a potential landlord and ensure that the contact information provided is accurate.
11. Can landlords verify income through pay stubs or bank statements?
Landlords may request pay stubs, bank statements, or other financial documents to verify income in addition to contacting an applicant’s employer.
12. Is employment verification the only reason landlords call employers?
While the primary reason for contacting an applicant’s employer is to verify income and employment status, landlords may also do so to assess an applicant’s character and reliability as a tenant.