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Application Fraud is on the Rise
In recent months, properties in the area have seen an increase in the number of fraudulent applications from perspective residents. Many of these individuals are using similar tactics to beat resident screening processes, so it’s important to stay informed and keep an eye out for these applicants. Here’s a few things to look out for when reviewing applicants:
1. Falsified Paystubs
Falsified paystubs can be identified because they will typically include inconsistent information when they are submitted. For example, the name of the employer will be a real company, but the spelling will be wrong. There may be other inconsistencies such as discrepancies on YTD income or taxes, or on personal information like the applicant’s address. There are now online companies providing falsified paystubs for a nominal fee, so this is becoming a more common issue.
2. Falsified Personal Information
Many applicants will alter their personal information like their social security number or date of birth by changing a number or two in attempt to evade screening. Onsite teams often only receive the last four digits for social security and personal identification numbers, so it will be difficult for the onsite team to know there is a problem rather than it just being an applicant with no credit history.
3. Fake Employment References
Applicants are citing employment at a small company, but a search on the NC Secretary of State website shows that the company was dissolved, or there was no record at all. There will be a very limited internet presence, if there is one at all. The addresses provided on the application will also often be something totally unrelated, like a grocery store in a strip mall.
4. Fake Landlord References
Applicants are often citing a private residence/landlord for their current residence, and when property tax records are pulled, they do not match the information that was provided. These landlords are often unreachable or are unable to provide verification of residence.
These are just a few of the methods individuals are using to beat resident screening. The most important step you can take to fight back is to be vigilant when reviewing documentation and look out for obvious inconsistencies that may be an indicator of fraud.
Four Rental Assistance Programs Now Available in the Triangle!
Durham Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Durham residents who are behind on their rents and facing evictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for financial help to stay in their homes from the new Durham Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). The program is being managed by the Durham County Department of Social Services. To access
additional information, including program requirements, and to apply to the program, visit DurhamERAP.dconc.gov.
Johnston County Rental Assistance Program
Johnston County has been awarded the CARES Act for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to assist Johnston County citizens who qualify with mortgage, rent, electric, water and heating fuel such as LP Gas, Natural Gas and Fuel Oil. The maximum benefit per household will not exceed $2,000.00 for the duration of the grant. Households must meet CDBG HUD Low/Moderate Income levels and income verification is required. To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must meet the HUD very-low (50%) Income Limits. The Johnston County
Department of Social Services is now accepting applications from those who qualify by phone at (919) 989-5320.
House Wake! Eviction Prevention Program
The House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program focuses specifically on eviction prevention and utility assistance. This program provides financial assistance to tenants, landlords and utility companies to cover rent and utility shortfalls resulting from a financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19. Qualifying households must have income that does not exceed 80% area median income with priority given to households with incomes below 50% AMI. Landlords and Tenants can apply by visiting
www.housewake.org or by calling 919-899-9911.
HOPE Program
The HOPE Program is once again taking applications for rental and utility assistance. The state is taking applications from 88 counties, and if you are one of the 12 counties who are handling one of their own programs (this includes Durham, Johnston, and Wake), or you are a registered member of a North Carolina tribe, you will be directed to the right assistance program. This application round is limited to applicants who are 50% of area median income (AMI) or below. This round of applications will cover 12 months of rental payments (9 months of arrears, 3 months of rent). It is crucial to get the word out across the state to make sure that people are aware that the program has re-opened.
Visit www.hope.nc.gov or call 888-927-5467 to apply.
During these extraordinary times, we have been working hard with leaders in government to support the industry with critical rental assistance funding and working to blunt the impact of damaging policies like eviction moratoriums. However, we need your help to elect more leaders who will stand with the industry. Join the effort by making a personal donation to TAA-PAC today!
TAA-PAC is a North Carolina state-registered Political Action Committee. Investments made to the TAA-PAC support local and state candidates who represent good government and understand the needs and concerns of the rental housing industry.
Thank you to our 2021 TAA-PAC Club Level Members!*
President’s Club
Amy Timocko Berry Craven Bonnie Moser Chris Loebsack Cliff Rogers Craig Nardi Kellie Falk Norm Praet Todd Whitlow
* alphabetically by first name
Vice President’s Club
Andy Meador April Vasta Chris Fortune Colleen Doubek Curtis Stevens Dustin Engelken Elizabeth Riley Josie Eatmon Katy Boone Kelli Lea Paula Kotarakas Rebecca Kalishek Rob Boggs Seth Wolfman Steve Kenney William MacRae
Senator’s Club
Akeshia Thomas Daniel Eller Franklin Rodriguez Heather Arnt Justin Kempe Meagan Watts Pamela Norris Rachel Garavito Young Rebecca Rosario Scott Marczewski Vicki Franciosi
Representative’s Club
Ashley O’Connor Danielle Butler Natalie Hart
As of 5/26/2021
Contribute Today!
Regional Roundtable
TAA’s Past President’s Council hosts quarterly Roundtables as a vehicle for Management company executives (Regionals, Vice Presidents and Presidents) to network and discuss shared challenges, viable solutions and new opportunities. Pre-pandemic this group met at TAA or a local restaurant; yet, last and this year they had to pivot and embrace the virtual environment. That platform did not disappoint as it opened up the opportunity for more people to attend, especially our out-of-town executives. Topics over the past few sessions have included: keeping maintenance personnel engaged; eviction moratoriums; handling vaccine challenges; which amenities are open and closed; and employee wellness issues.
Be sure to register for the July 16 session where the topic is the 2022 Budget season, to include: general budgets, best practices, Capex projects, and supply chain issues. Should be a robust conversation!
