What should I do if an applicant’s income documents do not match?

Check the reporting period, whether the figures are gross or net, and whether the documents describe the same source of income. Ask the applicant for clarification or appropriate supporting documentation before reaching a conclusion.

Can I ask self-employed applicants for different income documentation?

You may need different documentation to verify income that comes from self-employment. Apply the same underlying income criteria consistently and request information relevant to verifying those criteria rather than unrelated personal details.

What if an applicant receives rental assistance?

Do not automatically treat rental assistance as a reason to reject or disadvantage an applicant. Review how your screening criteria apply to lawful sources of income and account for Massachusetts protections concerning source of income.

Can I charge applicants for a credit or background check in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts rules restrict landlords from requiring applicants to pay application, background-check, or credit-check fees. Review the payment process and any third-party screening platform before directing applicants to pay a screening-related charge.

What should I do if a screening report contains the wrong person’s record?

Pause the decision and verify the identifying information and underlying record. If the information appears inaccurate, give the applicant an opportunity to address the discrepancy and follow applicable consumer-reporting procedures before relying on it.

Do I need to verify every piece of information on an application?

Focus verification on information relevant to your lawful screening criteria. Avoid collecting or investigating unrelated personal information simply because it appears on an application form.

Can I contact an applicant’s employer to verify income?

Income can be verified through an appropriate, authorized process. Use reliable contact information and ask only for information relevant to the stated screening requirement.

What should I document during tenant screening?

Keep factual notes about the criteria applied, documents reviewed, discrepancies identified, clarification requested, and the basis for the final decision. Avoid subjective descriptions that are unrelated to the screening criteria.

What happens if I deny an applicant based on a tenant screening report?

If a consumer report contributed to the decision, federal requirements may apply to the adverse-action notice. The notice generally needs to provide information about the reporting company and explain relevant applicant rights.

Can I use different screening criteria for different applicants?

Screening criteria should be established in advance and applied consistently, subject to lawful accommodations and applicable requirements. Changing criteria from one applicant to another can create compliance and documentation problems.

Should I reject an applicant when a reference cannot be reached?

Not necessarily. First determine whether the reference is actually required by your stated criteria and whether another reasonable way exists to verify the relevant information. Document the steps taken rather than assuming that an unavailable reference is negative.

How can landlords make Boston tenant screening more consistent?

Use written criteria, give applicants clear documentation instructions, verify discrepancies before deciding, review screening reports rather than relying solely on automated recommendations, and keep a factual record of the decision process.