Verifying Tenant Information: A Landlord’s Guide to Rental History, Income, and Housing Vouchers

While Rent Perfect investigators provide verified eviction reports, including evictions currently in process, we do not currently offer rental history or employment verification services. These critical steps are best handled directly by the landlord, and we strongly recommend taking the time to complete them. 

Check out this episode on the Rent Perfect podcast for more on tenant verifications:

🔍 Rental History Verification

We suggest verifying at least two years of an applicant’s rental history. If an applicant lacks sufficient history, you may want to consider a higher security deposit or a qualified cosigner as part of your approval process.

Keep in mind that, due to increasing privacy and liability concerns, previous landlords may be hesitant to share detailed information. However, at minimum, you can request that they confirm rental dates and payment history via a rental verification form.

⚠️ Tip:
If an applicant claims to be staying with a friend or relative, proceed with caution—this can sometimes be used to cover up a recent eviction. To verify, request a utility bill for the property address. A genuine host will usually have no issue providing this to support the applicant’s housing search. 

💼 Employment and Income Verification

To verify employment:

1. Find the employer’s contact info independently (don’t rely solely on the number the applicant provides).
2. Call to confirm employment status, position, and start date.
3. Request recent pay stubs to confirm income and compare with the year-to-date total for consistency. We like to ask for at least 3 paystubs.

Income Guidelines:
Many landlords use a 3x rent rule, meaning a tenant’s gross monthly income should be at least three times the rent. For example, for $1,000/month rent, the tenant should earn at least $3,000/month. However, you can set your own criteria based on the unique needs of your property, you know your market best.

💵 Verifying Other Sources of Income

Not all applicants earn income through traditional employment. You may also see income from:

• Social Security or Disability benefits (SSI/SSDI)
• Alimony or child support
• Pension or retirement accounts
• Self-employment or freelance work
• Trusts, annuities, or other passive income sources

To verify these types of income, consider requesting one or more of the following:

• Bank statements showing regular deposits from a known source
• Award letters or official documentation from a government agency (e.g., Social Security Administration)
• Court documents outlining alimony or child support payments
• 1099 forms or tax returns for self-employed individuals

These documents can help you confirm the applicant’s financial stability and ability to meet rent obligations.

🏠 Verifying Housing Vouchers (Section 8 and Other Programs)

If an applicant uses a housing voucher, such as through the Section 8 program, their rent will be partially paid by a public housing authority (PHA). As a landlord,  you’ll typically need to:

• Coordinate with the PHA to verify the portion of rent covered and the applicant’s income
• Complete required forms and pass a property inspection before approval
• Understand how payment standards and tenant portions are calculated

Because housing voucher processes and timelines vary by region, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with your local PHA's policies and procedures. Be prepared for a longer approval period before move-in. Not all landlords choose to work with housing vouchers, however, it is best to research and know your local laws around this topic. see below for more details. 

Pro Tip:
Never skip your screening process just because an applicant has a housing voucher. To stay compliant with fair housing laws and ensure you’re placing a reliable tenant, always complete the same thorough verification process you would for any applicant. A housing voucher covers the rent—but it's your screening that protects your investment.

📚 Know Your Local Laws: Source of Income Protections

Some states and cities have Source of Income (SOI) laws that prohibit housing discrimination based on how a tenant pays rent—including government assistance, housing vouchers, or other legal income sources.

Before denying an applicant based on the type of income they report, check your local and state laws. In some jurisdictions, rejecting someone for using a housing voucher or other non-wage income could be considered unlawful discrimination.

By conducting your own rental history and income verifications—and staying informed on local legislation—you can make informed decisions and build a successful rental business.

Check out these episodes on the Rent Perfect podcast for more about housing vouchers: