Hi all,
I started the referencing process through OpenRent and received this message:
“Income Covers Rent, Strange Activity SpottedThe income was verified by Open Banking however there are concerns about applicant’s activity. It appears the applicant or co-applicant has completed their referee form to verify their income. We’d strongly advise doing further checks if you decide to proceed with the applicant”
What does it mean and what I’m supposed to do next?
Thanks!
Ask OR customer support.
I’d get them to explain the message on the one hand if income has been verified by open banking that is good obv but if OR has asked a referee such as an employer for a reference to verify the income and the response is from the tenant not the referee it does sound a bit dodgy doesnt it?
Ask OR referencing why they haven’t followed up with the referee themselves- that’s what you are paying for
Good luck
@David240 income has been verified by open banking but this warning message also came up
They ask other referees and don’t just rely on open banking for a reason. If there’s a problem with one of the references not being done by the referee but by the tenant it’s suspect and the referencing Co (or you) should be following up. If tenant claims income £x from company Y and openrent find the form for the employer has actually been filled in by tenant, is that OK? I would as referencing co to investigate eg by calling the employer HR unit direct.
Good luck
Are they allowed in HR to disclose private information of an employee?
Yes of course (provided the employee allows)
Ask the applicant for 6 months bank statements. This will show income and equally as importantly, outgoings. If they are not happy to do this, move on.