Detecting Deception in Rental Applications: How to Spot Red Flags Before It's Too Late

Screening applicants is one of the most important things you do as a housing provider—but in an era of easily faked documents and AI-generated references, it’s also more challenging than ever. This guide outlines common types of deception and what you can do to protect yourself.

Income Fraud Is More Common Than You Think
Many applicants submit fake pay stubs or alter real ones to inflate their income. Be cautious if:

• The font or formatting on a pay stub looks inconsistent

• Earnings are perfectly rounded (e.g., $2,500 every pay period)

• There’s no employer address or contact info

• Bank deposits don’t match pay dates

Tip: Call the employer using the number from a verified source (like a company website or LinkedIn), not what’s on the pay stub.

Fake Employers and References
Some applicants list friends or paid services as employers or landlords. Be alert to:

• Employers with no web presence

• References who are vague, overly enthusiastic, or can’t confirm basic facts

• Personal email domains (e.g., Gmail) for business contacts

Tip: Cross-check the employer or landlord on Google, LinkedIn, or business registries.

Altered Credit Reports
If applicants provide their own credit report (instead of using your screening tool), it may be fake. Common signs:

• No contact information for the bureau

• Poor formatting or blurry logos

• No trade lines or credit history shown

Tip: Always use a third-party service like Intellirent or a reputable screening company.

Undisclosed Occupants
Watch for signs that the listed household size doesn’t match reality:

• No prior address history or references for an adult applicant

• Application says “living alone,” but credit pulls show joint accounts

• Applicant seems evasive about who will live there

Tip: Require all adult occupants to apply and be named on the lease.

ID Inconsistencies
Tampered or forged ID documents are increasingly common. Be cautious of:

• Photo that’s obviously edited or cropped

• Expired IDs or mismatched addresses

• Documents from out-of-state when they claim to work locally

Tip: Ask for a second form of ID or cross-reference with employer documents.

Bonus: Use Tools Designed to Help
Modern screening platforms like Intellirent and Snappt can help verify documents and flag inconsistencies. But no software replaces your judgment—when in doubt, investigate.

Final Thoughts
Fraud doesn’t always mean an applicant is malicious—they may just be desperate. But deception during screening is a red flag. Trust your instincts, follow up, and document everything.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Individual situations may vary. Members are encouraged to consult with qualified counsel before taking action in specific cases.