Are Applicants Giving You Fraudulent Paystubs?

December 29, 2017

Are Applicants Giving You Fraudulent Paystubs?

Dec 29, 2017Becky BowerTenant Screening Advice

Creating fraudulent documents has become easier as technology has improved. With just a computer, printer, scanner and Photoshop software, fabricating fake paystubs can be done at home. Even online paystub services like stubsamples.com and speedystub.com generate paystubs based on the information put in by the user for an inexpensive fee.
While these services might seem like a good idea to applicants who are independent contractors, business owners, students and entrepreneurs (where providing income information for rental and credit applications is very difficult), those outside services are extremely relaxed on their requirements for accuracy. Paystub companies depend on the honesty of the person buying the income document and, while honest applicants do exist, no 3rd party verification is conducted.

December 29, 2017

Myths and Facts about Criminal Records

Dec 29, 2017Becky BowerTenant Screening Advice

You’ve gotten your potential tenant’s background check and stop mid-way to look it over. As you quickly glance at the clock in the corner of your desktop, you figure you can push lunch-time back just a few more minutes to get this taken care of. You absentmindedly gulp down your lukewarm coffee as your eyes skim the remainder of the report, mentally weighing whether to approve or deny this applicant. But as you see the criminal hits, you immediately question this applicant. If this has happened to you, you’re not the only one.
While criminal records may seem pretty straight-forward, there are a lot of common myths. From questions about “how far back can I check?”, “does this cover every jurisdiction?” to “should I automatically deny someone with a felony?” test your knowledge. Here are some common myths about criminal records.

December 29, 2017

How to Properly (and Legally) Destroy Documents

Dec 29, 2017Becky BowerTenant Screening Advice

With the recent news that the Chinese government has breached the data of possibly 4 million federal employees, as well as the overwhelming amount of cyber-attacks committed in the past three years, it’s obvious that protecting your online data is imperative. But what about physical documents, like applications and lease agreements?
It’s safe to assume that you probably don’t have Indiana Jones’ level of security, but it’s not a bad idea to check that your physical security measures are as solid as the giant boulder that chased Indie’.

December 29, 2017

Managing Your Online Reputation

Dec 29, 2017Becky BowerTenant Screening Advice

Reviews can Make or Break Your Business
With the digital age and the vast amount of online shopping options, many consumers rely on the aid of reviews. However, this doesn’t end with the consumer’s Amazon shopping cart, the reliance on reviews stretches out to the rental market. By using websites like Apartmentratings.com and Yelp!, potential renters are able to view honest opinions from current and previous tenants. Even apartment finding sites and social media pages like Apartments.com and Facebook allow your tenants to post reviews, and in turn decide to rent based on what they find.
Before you start fretting, remembering the potential purchases you’ve abandoned because of bad reviews, know that you can turn this to your advantage. With these tips, you’ll be able to enhance your reputation online and bring potential renters straight to your leasing office in no time.

December 29, 2017

Help a New Tenant with this Utility Checklist

Dec 29, 2017Becky BowerTenant Screening Advice

Moving is difficult. There are rentals to tour and applications to be completed, boxes to pack, and furniture to transport. And when that’s all said and done, when the lease has been signed and the boxes have been moved in, exhausted renters are left to deal with the utilities. While figuring out who provides the electricity or the internet is painless when moving a few blocks away, for renters who move from one city to another or from one state to another state, this process is stressful.

December 29, 2017

Boost Your Rental Occupancy by Attracting Millennials

Dec 29, 2017Becky BowerTenant Screening Advice

Straight out of college and with a few more months under my lease, I was excited to go out into the world and find my own place. After talking two of my college girlfriends into renting a place together, my new roommates and I sought out what every graduate wants, freedom; the freedom to watch Netflix all night without my parents cutting off the WiFi, the freedom to make healthier lunch choices than top ramen, and the freedom to put on my business attire, get a job, and tell myself that I was officially an adult. Admittedly, I was a little ahead of myself. Renting a home with my roommates would be a lot more challenging than I expected.

Posts by Becky Bower