What Is Proof of Income? 18 Ways to Show It

Pay stubs aren’t the only way to prove income. Whether you’re a freelancer, gig worker, or full-time employee, here’s how to show landlords you can afford the rent.

How to Show Proof of Income

What Is Proof of Income?

Falling behind on rent is more common than you might think. More than 5 million households are behind on rent payments, and a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that nearly one in four renters incurred late fees during 2023.

As part of the rent application process, landlords and property managers want to know whether potential tenants can afford to pay rent. Enter proof of income requirements.

Whether it’s a pay stub, a tax return, or a platform payout summary, proof of income is the documentation that shows a prospective tenant can handle the monthly rent and related costs.

In today’s competitive rental market, submitting the right paperwork up front can make the difference between landing your next apartment and watching it go to someone else.

To make the process easier, we’ve rounded up 18 ways to prove your income in 2025, covering everything from traditional employment documents to side hustles, reselling platforms, and even content creator payouts for rental application purposes.

1. Pay Stubs

Pay stubs are the most direct way to prove income. They should include your name, employer, pay period, gross and net income, hourly rate or salary, and the frequency of payment. \

Tip: Bring at least your two most recent pay stubs. Make sure the employer’s name matches what you list on your rental application.

2. Tax Returns

A completed 1040 tax return shows your total income over the past year. Landlords usually want more than a tax form because it only proves your income from the previous year. Your landlord will still need to verify your current job and salary status to ensure an accurate report.

Tip: Supplement your 1040 with proof of current-year income (such as bank deposits or a profit and loss statement).

3. Bank Statements

Bank statements are commonly used by self-employed renters or those with gig income. Without a traditional source of income, landlords need a better idea of how much you really earn. Remember that a bank statement only details the amount of money you deposit into the account and the amount withdrawn.

Tip: Submit three to six months’ worth of statements. Highlight recurring income deposits. If necessary, include an annotation or summary.

4. Income Letter From an Employer

Your employer can provide a proof-of-income letter that says how much you make. If you’ve recently started a job and don’t have a pay stub yet, ask for a signed income verification letter. After providing the documentation, your landlord may still want a copy of your pay stub when you receive it.

Tip: The letter should be on company letterhead and include your job title, salary/hourly rate, start date, and contact information for your employer or HR department.

5. Court-Ordered Payments

Income from alimony, child support, or legal settlements is considered a valid form of regular income as long as it’s documented.

Tip: Provide the official court order and a bank statement showing recent payments. If you’ve lost the court paperwork, request a copy from the court clerk.

6. Social Security Documents

Social security income can be submitted as proof to your landlord or property manager. You'll need a letter or other documentation that details your monthly benefits. Tip: Provide the official award letter showing the weekly benefit and duration. If you don’t have one handy, you can also request one online here.

7. Unemployment Documents

Unemployment assistance from getting laid off is also verifiable income. Contact the unemployment office in your county to ask for an unemployment compensation letter.

Tip: Provide the official award letter showing the weekly benefit and duration. Be upfront about your employment search if asked.

8. Pension

Pensions are a reliable, fixed-income source for retirees. Most providers issue monthly or annual statements. Landlords may still ask for a tax Form 1099-R to verify your annual pension distribution income.

Tip: Include a recent 1099-R tax form or a monthly benefits letter, plus bank deposits to verify payments are ongoing.

9. Severance Statement

Getting laid off or leaving your job isn't always a deal-breaker for landlords. If you're no longer employed but received severance, it may serve as your income and help you qualify temporarily.

Tip: Submit a formal letter from your employer outlining the total amount and duration of severance payments.

10. Disability Insurance

Disability insurance benefits are not classified as income for tax-reporting purposes, but they can be used to demonstrate payment capacity, especially for long-term claims.

Tip:** Ask your insurance provider for a benefits summary letter. Pair it with a recent bank deposit screenshot.

11. Workers’ Compensation

Injury on the job may lead to a workers' compensation claim. Proof of payout is accepted if it replaces your regular income due to a work-related injury.

Tip: Provide the court or insurer award letter, including the payment amount and coverage period.

12. W-2 Income Statement

A W-2 is used for tax purposes but also summarizes your annual employment earnings and is helpful alongside pay stubs. If you have multiple employers, your landlord may want to see a W-2 from them.

Tip: If you’ve changed jobs recently, clarify which W-2 corresponds to which employer and support with recent stubs.

13. 1099 Form

1099-NEC or 1099-K forms are often issued to gig workers, freelancers, contractors, and platform sellers who earned more than $600 from a single client. It lists all your income over the past year and details how much tax you pay on that income.

Tip: If you didn’t receive a 1099, provide client invoices, payment confirmations, or platform earnings dashboards.

14. Annuity Statement

Regular payments from annuities or insurance payouts can qualify as proof of income. An annuity statement helps a landlord understand how much you receive from an insurance company.

Tip: Submit the annuity agreement or a payout schedule showing monthly disbursements.

15. Interest and Dividend Income

If you have investments, you can also provide documentation regarding your dividends or distributions. Your landlord may also ask for your 1040 to verify they were reported and check other areas of your income and bank statements to prove your financial stability.

Tip: Include a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV form plus portfolio statements and bank deposit history.

16. Bonus and Incentive Payment Statement

Bonus and incentive payments can significantly impact your income. If the income requirement is above your base pay, include any bonus or incentive pay statements during the apartment income verification process to boost your chances.

Tip: Include a bonus payout letter from HR, along with three to six months of pay stubs and bank deposits that show recent incentive payments.

17. Reselling Income

If you earn money reselling goods online, that income can help demonstrate your ability to pay rent. Annotated monthly summaries or spreadsheets showing steady monthly earnings can help show that you more than meet the income requirements.

Tip: Submit platform dashboards, 1099-K forms (if issued), and bank statements showing payouts.

18. Content Creator or Influencer Income

As earnings through platforms like TikTok Shop, Instagram, YouTube, or affiliate marketing become more common, you can use platform payout reports as verifiable income.

Tip: Provide 1099-K/1099-NEC forms, and bank deposits to verify your income, including a short explainer on the type of earnings (e.g., brand deals, affiliate income).

What Can I Submit if I Don’t Have Traditional Proof of Income?

What’s in a 1099-K, and Who Gets One?

The 1099-K is a tax form for sellers or gig workers who make $5,000 or more per year on platforms like eBay, YouTube, and Etsy:

• Includes total gross sales.
• Platform-issued (not by buyer).
• Doesn’t subtract fees or returns.
• Must match your bank deposits.

What Are the Thresholds for Getting a 1099-K?

Note: For 2025, the federal threshold for 1099-K reporting remains $5,000 (or 200 or more transactions). However, some states—Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, and Illinois—require platforms to issue 1099-K forms for $600 or more in gross payments. Renters in those states may receive forms even if their income is below the federal level.

How to Know if You Can Afford Rent on Your Income

The rule of thumb is not to spend more than 30% of your monthly income on rent. Your household income should also be two to three times your monthly rent. For example, if your rent is $1,000 per month, your landlord will likely expect you to earn around $3,000 per month to comfortably afford your rent. However, if you live in an expensive area like New York City, it's common for new renters to pay much more.

The Apartment List rent calculator is a valuable tool that'll help you calculate the amount you can comfortably afford for monthly rent payments.

What Should Be Included in a Proof of Income Packet?

**Use this checklist before you apply:

• Pay stub or 1099/letter/invoice.
• Bank statement with matching deposits.
• Job offer letter (if new hire).
• Summary of past three to six months' income.
• Optional cover note explaining income type.
• Contact info for employer or client.
• Landlord references (if needed).

5 Tips for Meeting Proof of Income Requirements

As you now know, there are several examples of proof of income. Additionally, the following are some tips regarding apartment rental income requirements and understanding what qualifies as proof of income.

• Prepare your forms and documents: Come to an apartment tour or lease signing with organized paperwork. Collate your tax forms, proof of income, bank statements, and anything else that proves your income.
• Consider a co-signer or guarantor: If you have poor credit, consider asking a family member to step in as a co-signer or guarantor.
• Check your credit report: Look up your credit report in advance and explain how you overcame anything problematic to your landlord.
• Review your rental history: Make a list of your previous rentals and ask for landlord references in advance. If you haven't yet, consider rent reporting services so that your on-time rent payments appear on your credit history.
• Offer a lease guarantee: If you have a problematic rental or financial past, offer a lease guarantee with a higher security deposit.

If you have a problematic financial or rental history, it is essential to come as prepared as possible. Your organization, documentation, and explanation of any issues will go a long way to win over a landlord or property manager.

Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting

Now that you have everything you need to show proof of income for your apartment, it’s time to start your apartment hunt. If you’re worried that your finances don’t make the cut, consider a short-term apartment or a for-rent-by-owner apartment. There’s always a way to find an apartment that works for you, regardless of your past finances or proof of income track record.

Ready to find the perfect place for you? Sign up for Apartment List to find your next apartment.

FAQs About Proof of Income Documents

What is verifiable income?

Verifiable monthly income is income that can be supported with documentation—such as pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters—and shows that you can reliably afford your rent. Landlords typically want to see a stable income, typically totaling two to three times the monthly rent, to support the income listed on your apartment application.

How can I show proof of income without a pay stub?

There are many alternatives to pay stubs, including tax returns, bank statements, employer income letters, 1099s, Social Security statements, court-ordered payments, unemployment benefit letters, annuity statements, interest and dividend income statements, and bonus/incentive payout records. For gig or side hustle work, use earnings dashboards and bank deposits as proof of income.

What is a proof of income letter?

A proof of income letter is an official document from an employer verifying your income, salary or hourly wage, job title, start date, and employment status. It’s often used when pay stubs are unavailable, such as at the start of a new job. This letter confirms that you are currently employed at a specific company and provides your salary information. To obtain a proof of income letter, you will need to speak directly with your employer.

What should a proof of income letter say?

A proof of income letter should include the following:

• Your full name and job title.
• Your salary or hourly wage.
• Employment status (e.g., full-time, part-time).
• Start date of employment.
• Employer's name, address, phone number, and email.
• Company letterhead and HR or supervisor’s signature.

I’m self-employed. What counts as proof of income?

Use 1099s, client invoices, bank statements, and bookkeeping software summaries. If possible, pair documents to show both income earned and deposited.

Can I use gig income from Uber, Instacart, DoorDash, or similar platforms?

Yes. Submit platform earnings dashboards, 1099-Ks or 1099-NECs, and bank statements showing consistent deposits.

I sell on Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. Is that considered legitimate income?

Yes. Include sales reports, 1099-K (if issued), and bank statements. A spreadsheet summary or screenshots from your seller dashboard can also help to show steady sales.

How can content creators prove their income?

By providing payout summaries from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or affiliate networks, along with 1099 forms and matching bank deposits. A brief note on how they earn (ads, sponsorships, product sales) can add clarity.

What if I just started a job and don’t have a pay stub?

Ask your employer or HR department for a proof of income letter that outlines your salary, position, and start date.

My income varies month to month. What should I submit?

Provide three to six months of bank statements to show an average income. Add a brief written explanation if income is seasonal or client-based.

What if I still can’t meet the income requirement?

Try these options:

• Find a co-signer or lease guarantor.
• Offer a higher security deposit (if allowed).
• Look for for-rent-by-owner properties that allow more flexibility.
• Use rent reporting tools to build your credit profile.

I work in a tip-based job. How can I prove my income?

Use a combination of pay stubs (if tips are reported), point-of-sale summaries, employer letters estimating average tips, and bank statements showing regular cash or direct deposits. A written estimate of average weekly tips, especially when supported by consistent deposits, can also be helpful.

Is it safe to share my income documents with landlords?

Income documents contain a lot of sensitive personal information, so it's normal to be concerned about privacy. To protect yourself:

• Share documents only with verified landlords or property managers.
• Redact sensitive information like Social Security numbers unless required.
• Avoid sending personal documents over unsecured email. Use secure application portals when possible.
• Ask how your documents will be stored and for how long.

Income verification is an important part of the process, but your data privacy matters too.

What can I redact on my bank statement?

To protect your sensitive financial information while still providing the necessary details, you should black out the following on your bank statement:

• Account number: This is the most critical information to protect.
• Routing number: This number, along with your account number, is used for electronic funds transfers.
• Full address: You can usually black out the full address, leaving only the city and state.
• Credit card numbers: If any credit card transactions are visible, black out the numbers.
• Debit card numbers: Similar to credit cards, black out any debit card numbers.
• PIN or security codes: If any portion of a PIN or security code is visible, black it out completely.
• Online banking login information: If any part of your login credentials is visible, it must be blacked out.
• Other personal information: This includes any additional personal details that are not relevant to the landlord's assessment, such as social security numbers or date of birth.

Blacking out this information allows you to retain your financial privacy while still providing the landlord with the necessary proof of income and financial stability.

Can my credit score help prove financial reliability?

While your credit score doesn't directly reflect your income, it does help demonstrate your history of managing money responsibly. A higher credit score—most ask for 580 and above—can reassure landlords that you’re likely to pay rent on time. You can also include a rent reporting service like RentReporters and Boom that adds your on-time rent payments to your credit history.