RENT Magazine Q3 '23

6 SIGNS A PAYSTUB IS FAKE

When it comes to paystubs, it is easy to create a forged one, so you will need to look for signs such as the following:

1. Does it have the company name and details listed?

THEY GO INTO SURVIVAL MODE AND DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET APPROVED.

2. Does it have details, such as year-to-date totals, standard deductions, are the totals rounded up.

3. Does it appear photocopied? Look for dark lines around logos (think copy and paste).

4. If it is an original, some payroll companies use watermarks.

5. Look for spelling errors.

6. Look at the font for consistency.

WHAT ABOUT SELF-EMPLOYED APPLICANTS? Sometimes tenants will be self-employed, students, or receive income in another nontraditional way. They will not have a paystub. First, do not own their problem. They will need to provide additional information (a well-qualified potential tenant will have it prepared). Ask for a qualified cosigner, LeaseGuarantee, bank records, student loan documents or other government tax documents to help prove the income.

MICHAEL P. CURRIE Owner Landlord by Design Connect with Michael

Michael P. Currie is a landlord, property manager, author, and owner of the company Landlord by Design. Based in Canada, Michael got his start in the early 2000s as an investor flipping houses, and by the end of 2009, he was using a buy and hold strategy with his investments. After discovering a need for property management education, Michael started the Landlord by Design blog in 2015 to offer guidance and share his expertise.

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