Many in multifamily believe basic screening is enough—but that’s a myth. Verification goes beyond checking boxes and protects properties from costly fraud and liability. Here’s a breakdown of the most common misconceptions and what actually works.
A quick look at a driver’s license might seem fine, but high-quality fake IDs are everywhere. Basic “checking” might catch obvious forgeries, yet it won’t confirm if the ID is authentic or even belongs to the prospect. Verification uses technology and databases (like DMV records) to ensure the ID is real and tied to the right person, closing loopholes that basic screening misses.
Believing pay stubs or bank statements at face value is risky. Screenshots and PDFs are easy to forge. Verification means contacting payroll sources or connecting to financial institutions (with applicant permission) for independent confirmation—rather than trusting easily faked paperwork.
Many assume every screening provider uses the same technology and checks. In reality, solutions that combine ID, income, and document verification with fraud prevention catch more risky applicants versus older screening-only services.
Some believe that verifying renters once (when they apply) is enough. In truth, ongoing verification (for insurance, employment changes, or renewals) is needed to catch policy lapses, job loss, or identity changes that could affect risk during residency.
Challenging these myths with a proactive, robust approach to verification keeps properties—and residents—safer, while reducing financial and operational risks.
