I do not ask about specific kinds of income, I simply ask, "Household total income?" It's up to them if they wish to include it, but if they do include it, they also have to document it. The source, the frequency, the amount, etc.

I think you're allowed to ask whatever you want. The issue is what do you want to ask. When qualifying prospects before the showing (either via email or phone), I usually say something like, "To qualify for this rental, applicants need a gross annual income of $_____ or more. Will this be a problem for you?"

On my application is a place for them to put any "additional income" they want to include. This is VERY MUCH like getting a mortgage... You DON'T have to disclose this amount unless you WANT to include it.

Some may - some may not. If they qualify with what they put down from their "regular job" then who cares? If they don't - then they don't.

For me - I don't know if I would really "want" to consider it since some could put it down and if they really need to use that amount to make the income limits - it's very iffy for me. What happens if the person paying that amount loses their income and no longer can pay child support? Also, now you need to see the paperwork, statements, how much, how often, etc.

We use the following:

Instead of asking a dozen questions, I simply state my most important requirements when pre-screening someone on the phone.

I require at least 3 times the monthly rent as income, will be adjusted according to monthly debt obligations.

I will need Valid State Pictured ID, Pay Stubs, Bank/savings account statements.

Hopefully 1 year or more on the job.

Thanks for the feedback, was just wondering if asking about child support was prohibited and appears not to be.

I generally do not ask a million Qs' about sources of income. In my listing I put the minimum monthly required and on the pre-screen form I ask for monthly income that can be documented. When they come up short I follow up w/ email that says "you indicated x, and if that is correct then you don't qualify. Is there other income that you did not include?". That way my denial is based on the info they provide me.

Good point about support from a 3rd party not being guaranteed. Robert I ask how many people will reside in the apt. Very often they leave off the BF or other adult, yet mention their 'partner' in communication.

CJ, I say you avoid roommate income by only looking at the applicants income, if they don't qualify alone then do not rent them the apt.

Small,

I see no discrimination issue by asking. My concern would be too many questions on what is normally a short, quick snapshot.

Me? We require the full application. It’s not that hard.

And back when I took calls, and I told people they needed $X income to qualify, every caller said (lied) “Yes”.

Wasted my time.

Best to ASK their income.