Faking my income to move into an income restricted apartment complex?

Question

I am NOT talking about section 8. I'm talking about one of those apartment communities where income restrictions apply.

There is a very nice apartment community in my area, in a desirable suburban area which borders the park.

They have 1100 square foot, 2 bedroom apartments available, with hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a balcony available for only $750 per month.

Problem is its an income limits apply community.

A single person must make no more than $34,310 per year to qualify.

I make around 45k a year after taxes, so I'm paying $980 per month for a 700 square foot one bedroom with a tiny, 1970s style kitchen, in a working class area that's not even central or convenient to anything.

Well suppose a month before my lease expires, I apply at that better community, submit a fake W-2 and see if I can't live better, for less money.

After all, when I moved into my current place, all they required to show that I make at least 3 times the rent was either a W-2 or three months worth of time cards, one or the other, and they just accepted the documentation I submitted. My employer says they never called him to verify things.

So could this work to get into the other place?

After all, I figure the worst that can happen is the fake documents don't fool them and they deny my application.

Anonymous · Answer

... And you don't think that your employer will be contacted?

What you want to do is commit fraud. And against the government. Not your brightest idea!

Anonymous · Answer

It's government run program. You don't submit any W-2. They get the income verification directly from your employer.

LadyMerton · Answer

You won't fool them- they Check your income including bank account

I have lived in one for 3 years- they make us verify our income Every Year

Slickterp · Answer

This is benefits fraud.  Those places are subsidized by taxpayer money.

Landlord365 · Answer

NO it would not work. You cannot judge the poor screening your current place did with low income housing. Low income housing is nothing like a standard market rate property. Low income housing is regulated much strickter & they check EVERYTHING.

It is also benefits fraud & a federal crime.

Anonymous · Answer

I am an employer and commonly receive requests for income verification for employees requesting this type of housing. It's no different than when an employee applies for a mortgage. This ain't the landlord's first rodeo, cupcake.

The landlord gets incentives from the government to provide such housing and they are obligated to verify that tenants qualify.

Anonymous · Answer

1. There are worse things that can happen than getting turned away. Such as being charged with a crime for falsifying tax records.

Or they don't find out about it until after the fact, then you get evicted and find out the hard way that very few other landlords will be willing to rent to you because of it. Hope you like living with mom and dad again.

2. You say that your current landlord didn't verify your income qualifications because your employer did not receive such a call.

But did you ask everyone in your workplace?

How do you know they didnt call and talk to someone?

Anonymous · Answer

I had a co-worker arrested, at work, for not accurately reporting her income in a public housing situation.  Needless to say, she lost her job too.   The charge was theft of benefits.

Politically Correct · Answer

Income restricted housing is subsidised either directly or indirectly by taxpayers.  You will need to provide evidence of your pre-tax income every year via your tax return.  They may pull the return directly from the IRS.  The worst that can happen is not being denied, it is being prosecuted for fraud.

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Faking my income to move into an income restricted apartment complex?

9 Answers