Clara offers three secure ways for renters to verify their income — giving you verified, objective data instead of self-reported numbers on paper.
The verification method renters choose determines what data you receive and how reliable it is. Here's what each method provides.
1. Payroll Connection (Recommended - Most Reliable)
How it works:
Renters log in directly to their payroll provider (ADP, Gusto, Paychex, Workday, and 100+ others) through a secure connection. Clara retrieves verified employment data directly from the source.
What you receive:
- Employer name and address
- Employment status (active/inactive)
- Verified gross income
- Employment start date
- Pay frequency
- Job title and position
Why this is the best option:
- Highest success rate — Most renters complete payroll verification successfully
- Most accurate data — Direct from payroll systems, no chance of alteration
- Fastest verification — Takes renters just minutes to complete
Best for: Anyone paid through a standard payroll system, including W-2 employees, part-time workers, and contractors paid through major providers.
2. Bank Connection (Great Alternative)
How it works:
Renters securely connect the bank account where their income lands. Clara analyzes deposit history to identify and verify recurring income streams automatically.
What you receive:
- Active income streams identified from deposits
- Income start dates
- Deposit patterns and frequency
- Average income calculation over time
Why this works well:
- Captures all income sources — Shows the complete financial picture, not just one employer
- Works for variable income — Identifies patterns even when amounts vary month-to-month
- Reliable for non-traditional work — Built for freelancers, gig workers, and multiple income sources
- No document formatting issues — Direct bank data eliminates authenticity concerns
Best for: Self-employed renters, freelancers, gig workers, and anyone with non-traditional or multiple income sources.
Note: Bank Connection only works if the renter connects the account where their income is actually deposited.
3. Document Upload (Last Resort)
How it works:
If a renter is unable to complete Bank Connection, Clara surfaces Document Upload as a fallback. Renters can then upload pay stubs, W-2s, or tax documents manually.
What you receive:
- Scanned or photographed documents
- Authenticity Score (10-90 scale indicating document legitimacy)
- Manual review of income information
Why this is less reliable:
- Lower success rate — Document format variations cause verification issues
- Takes longer — 20-30 minutes for renters to gather and upload documents
- Authenticity concerns — Documents can be altered; the Authenticity Score helps but isn't definitive
- Manual interpretation needed — You review the documents yourself rather than receiving verified data
If you see a low Authenticity Score (below 60): Use Clara's messaging portal to request that the renter re-verify using Bank Connection. Most renters can use automated methods once they have the right account information.
Additional Income Sources
Renters also have the option to report additional sources of income beyond their primary employment. When a renter adds additional income, it appears as a separate section on their screening report.
Types of additional income you may see:
- Social Security (SSI, SSDI, Retirement Benefits)
- Government Assistance (TANF, SNAP, Housing Vouchers)
- Pension & Retirement (401k, IRA, Pension Distributions)
- Investment Income (Dividends, Interest, Capital Gains)
- Alimony & Support (Spousal Support, Child Support)
- Other Income (Rental Income, Trust, Other)
For each source, the report shows:
- Income type and monthly amount
- Payment frequency
- Source or agency name (if provided)
- Whether the renter uploaded verification documents
- Whether the income is verified through bank connection
How to evaluate additional income: This information is self-reported by the renter unless they've connected their bank account or uploaded verification documents. Bank-verified deposits or supporting documentation give you the strongest confirmation. Self-reported income without verification can still be useful context, especially when combined with other strong sections of the application.
What Each Method Looks Like in Your Reports
Payroll Connection:
Clean, structured data fields showing verified employment and income details directly from the payroll source.
Bank Connection:
Income stream summary showing account details, deposit patterns, and sources. A full transaction report is able to download.
Document Upload:
Uploaded document images with an Authenticity Score. Requires manual review of pay stubs or tax forms.
Handling Special Situations
Renters relocating and starting new jobs:
- They verify previous employment using any method above
- Provide new employer details (company name, start date)
- Upload offer letter as supporting documentation
- You get a complete picture of their employment transition
Multiple income sources:
- Renters can connect multiple payroll providers
- Bank connection automatically identifies all income streams
- Additional Income lets renters report income outside their primary employment
Self-employed or freelance renters:
Bank connection is ideal — it shows their complete income picture from multiple clients without requiring extensive tax documentation.
Encouraging Better Verification Methods
If a renter uses Document Upload:
Check the Authenticity Score. If it's below 60, use Clara's messaging portal to suggest they try Bank Connection instead. Most renters can use automated methods — they may just need guidance on connecting the right account.
Why automated verification matters:
You get more reliable, tamper-proof data that gives you confidence in your screening decisions. Automated methods also complete faster, helping you fill vacancies quickly.
Additional Verification Layers
Beyond income verification, every renter completes:
- Identity verification - Live ID capture and selfie with face matching
- Credit report - TransUnion credit history and score
- Background check - Criminal, eviction, liens, judgments
Combined, these create multiple fraud protection layers ensuring you receive trustworthy applications.