How do I ask....?

Question

My fiance and I are planning on moving within the next couple of months. However, hes got a job where he works undocumented (off the books). How do I ask a potential landlord if they will accept a letter from his employer stating his weekly, biweekly, monthly pay? I work on the books but Im sure my income alone for a family of 3 is not sufficient enough to rent a 2 bedroom to me alone thats why I need him on the lease. Any suggestions?

Thats point though how do I say to someone for example, Im looking to rent a 2 bedroom apt how much is it....Also my fiance works off the books (that doesnt sound right to me) will accept.....etc etc

To my that just sounds shiesty

Thats exactly my point...I dont want to come out and say that my fiance works off the books, I want another way to state that my fiance has reliable income but he has no paystubs only his employers verification or a letter to prove it.

Answer 1

I am in finance so I deal with this all of the time.

There are a few ways to resolve this:

-He is Self-employed. That is what it means when no taxes are taken out of his check. He is just responsible for paying them at the end of the year.
-Bank Statements
-1099's
-Cashed Check Record's from his employer
etc., etc.

You may email me if you need anymore help.

[e-mail]

Answer 2

Hi,

If he is working "off the books" that means one of two things. First: he is either self employed or working under the table breaking the law. If he is self employed then he should receive a 1099 for tax purposes. However, if he is working under the table breaking the law I would not bring it up. If the landlord turns you in to the IRS he may get a reward and both your boyfriend and his boss could be in big trouble with heavy fines and perhaps jail time.

If your boyfriend has a good relationship with his boss he might ask his boss for a real check made out for any amount they agree upon. Then your fiance can cash the check and return the difference to his boss. Needless to say this is highly illegal and to be truth full I would not take the gamble. If you are in charge of the books then you also may be considered an accomplice to tax fraud.

I owned a company called Professional Business Consultants and specialized in new business start-ups along with bailing people out of financial difficulties with the IRS. One company had a person working under the table for two years and when he was caught the fine was $50,000 apiece.

I know this is not what you want to hear but I would hate to see a couple just starting out by putting life in harms way.

Answer 3

all the landlord needs to know is that he's an independent contractor. his boss could give him a fake 1099-MISC form that's been filled out. otherwise, the letter would be the only other way since he's a cash only "under the table" wage earner. BTW, I don't condone what you're doing. It's illegal and wrong!! We all have hard times once in a while and had to take some job to help make ends meet. However, he's no better than the illegal immigrants that come into this country and work under the table, not paying taxes, draining the resources that are paid for by taxpaying citizens. Shame on you!

Answer 4

Tell the landlord that your beau is self employed and works odd jobs. Saying he works off the books is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. You just may tell the wrong person, who will contact Immigration.

Better to find a more affordable home. Or get a co-signer.

Answer 5

You will probably have to deal with individuals that rent vs. management companies. If you can show references of 5-6 years of on-time rental history, alot of people just don't care about the income thing.

Answer 6

Alright, get a verification of rent from your current land lord and than show bank statements, that's an easy way to document income, by showing deposits.

Answer 7

Just fill out the application w/ your salary and his salary. It's up to the landlord to check out references etc. If he happens to call your fiance's boss, I'm sure his income will be verified. Don't panic. I rent to a family and I've never asked his salary.

Answer 8

Ask the potential landlord just how you asked us here. "Will you accept a letter from his employer stating his weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly pay?

The landlord will or won't accept this documentation. You'll have to find out.

Answer 9

You can always say it like you just told us, but working off the books is illegal. I can't imagine anyone writing the letter and I can't imagine anyone accepting the letter.