How to Show Proof of Income

When you're ready to apply for an apartment or other type of rental, you’ll likely need to provide proof of income. Income verification documents allow landlords and property managers to verify your ability to pay rent, giving them confidence that you'll be a reliable tenant. 

There are several documents you can share to show proof of income for an apartment or rental. Here are the most common documents used to show proof of income, whether you’re an employee, self-employed, or have unconventional sources of income. And remember, if you apply with a co-applicant, like a partner or a roommate, in most cases you’ll both be required to show proof of income. 

Proof of employment income

If you’re employed by a company or organization and receive a regular paycheck, there are a few ways you can show proof of income. Many landlords and property managers look for verifiable income of two to three times the cost of the monthly rent. 

1. Pay stubs 

Full-time and part-time employees can provide recent pay stubs to verify income. This is one of the easiest and most frequently accepted verifiable income sources. Most landlords will ask for stubs from the past two to three months to confirm consistent earnings—be sure to keep them updated on recent job changes and supply current and past pay stubs. 

2. W-2 forms

Your employer provides you with a W-2 form at the end of each year as a summary of your annual income. Many landlords will accept a W-2 from the most current full year, assuming you’re still employed by the same employer. 

3. Employment verification letter

An employment verification letter is a formal document provided by your employer confirming your job title, salary, and employment status. Employment verification letters are most commonly used as proof of income when starting a new job and don’t yet have pay stubs to share. 

Proof of self-employment income

If you work for yourself, you may not be able to submitW2s or paystubs. In this case, you may be asked to provide proof of business gross revenue or net income, depending on the landlord or property management criteria. Self-employed income verification can include: 

1. Tax returns 

For freelancers and self-employed individuals, tax returns are a great form of income verification for a rental, especially for those whose income fluctuates each month. Submitting your most recent year's tax return gives landlords a comprehensive view of your annual earnings last year. Depending on when you are applying for a rental, you will likely need to pair the tax return with your most recent bank statements to further support your current financial stability. 

2. Bank statements 

Bank statements are useful for showing an overview of your financial health as a renter. Aim to provide two to three months of statements to show consistent deposits. Landlords will be looking for a steady flow of income to show that you have the funds to put towards rent. 

3. Profit and loss statement

A profit and loss statement provides a detailed summary of income and expenses over a period of time for business owners. Since it’s usually created by the business owner, you may also be asked for other proof of income alongside it, like  bank statements or your most recent tax return. 

4. 1099s 

1099 forms are a reliable proof of self-employment income because they show the total amount paid by each client or business during the tax year. They also serve as an official record for tax reporting purposes, showing the income earned as a contractor or freelancer.

Supplemental income sources

Plenty of renters also have supplemental sources of income. If you fall into this category, be sure to communicate with your potential landlord about ways you can prove your ability to pay rent. Here are some common options. 

1. Proof of benefits or assistance 

All or part of your income may come from government benefits or other types of financial assistance. In this case, award letters or benefit statements can serve as proof of income. Examples include: Social Security, disability payments, and housing subsidies. 

2. Investment, pension or retirement accounts 

For retirees or individuals receiving income through investments, documents like retirement account statements or records of dividend income are viable forms of income proof. These demonstrate access to funds that are regularly available. 

3. Side hustle income 

If you’re earning additional income through side gigs or freelance work, you can show recent invoices, bank deposits, or payment app statements (e.g., PayPal, Venmo) as additional proof of income documents. Pairing this with tax returns or bank statements will likely be needed to  confirm credibility of the payment app statements. Using PayPal or Venmo are appropriate as proof, but you’ll need to have a very detailed transaction history, straightforward invoices, and bank statements that match the deposit history. 

4. Unemployment or disability benefits statements

You can provide official documentation that you’re receiving unemployment or disability benefits. The monthly amount you receive through these channels can be used as proof of income for renting. 

5. Court-ordered payments

You can submit legal proof of court-ordered payments, such as child support or alimony, as proof of income. The focus is on the fact that you are receiving the income, rather than how you use it. Bank statements that correlate with monthly deposits can be helpful. 

Pro tips for submitting proof of income 

To make the income verification process as smooth as possible for yourself and your potential landlord, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be organized: Submit documents clearly labeled and in the format requested (e.g., digital PDFs or printed copies). 
• Be transparent: If your financial situation is unconventional, explain it upfront and provide additional documents to build trust. 
• Double-check requirements: Each landlord or property manager may have different expectations. Make sure your documentation aligns with their specific guidelines. 

Proof of income is just the beginning 

While proof of income is an essential part of your rental application, remember that you’ll likely need more documents to secure your new place. Be prepared to provide items like a government-issued ID, references from prior landlords, and a credit report (if requested). In a recent Zillow renter’s report, 25% of renters stated that they had to pay first and last month’s rent to secure the rental, so be sure to anticipate additional upfront costs. 

If you’ve got all your documentation ready to go, you can start applying for an apartment! With Zillow’s application process, you only have to fill out your information once and apply it to apartments, houses and other participating rentals on and off Zillow for the next 30 days, saving you time and energy.