Why Credit Isn’t Enough: The Case for Full Tenant Screening

Most landlords start the same way — they pull a credit report and think, “If the score looks good, we’re safe.”
But here’s the truth: credit only tells you how someone handles debt, not how they handle rent.

We’ve seen it countless times — great credit, but no steady job, a past eviction, or income that doesn’t even cover the rent. A clean credit report can look fine until the first month’s payment bounces.

Credit Doesn’t Show the Whole Picture

Credit scores show whether someone pays their bills on time. That’s useful, but it doesn’t show you:

• If they’ve ever been evicted
• If their income matches what they claim
• If they’re using fake pay stubs or unverifiable employers
• Or if there’s a criminal record sitting just out of sight

Those gaps are what get landlords in trouble — especially when you’re managing multiple units or self-managing properties.

Why Income Verification Makes All the Difference

One of the most overlooked parts of tenant screening is confirming the tenant can actually afford the rent. It’s easy to fake a pay stub or type up a “proof of income” letter that looks official.

Western Verify’s income verification service solves that problem.
We contact employers directly, confirm employment dates, verify wages, and match that data to the rental amount — so you know the tenant isn’t stretching beyond what they can pay.

We’ve caught hundreds of cases where applicants submitted false income documents that looked legitimate. That single check can save you thousands in missed rent, turnover costs, and eviction fees.

The Real Cost (and Savings)

Our incremental income verification service costs as little as $18 per applicant, depending on your package.

When you compare that to the average eviction cost of $3,500–$7,000, it’s an easy call.

Spending a few extra dollars to confirm income upfront is one of the best financial decisions a landlord can make.
It’s not about catching people doing wrong — it’s about making sure your future tenant can actually stay long-term.

Full Screening, Done Right

At Western Verify, we bundle:

• Credit
• Criminal
• Eviction
• Income Verification

...into one fast, compliant report.

Most results are back within 24–48 hours, and you only pay for what you use — no contracts, no hidden fees, no subscriptions.

You get a clear, verified picture of your tenant before you hand over the keys.

Bottom Line

Credit is a good start — but income verification protects your bottom line.
Before you approve your next tenant, make sure their story adds up.

Western Verify makes it simple, affordable, and fast.

Visit westernverify.com to start screening smarter today.