Proof of income when renting?

My boyfriend and I found out today that we have to move out of the house we are renting in two weeks. Our landlords decided they would like to sell it so now we are looking for an apartment in a hurry. Since most apartments expect you to make 3 times the rent in income, do my boyfriend and I each have to make 3 times the rent, or do they look at combined income? Also, what should I provide as proof of income? I'm working as an independent contractor right now but have only had this job for a few months so there is no proof of income for this job yet, besides a bank statement, which I know isn't exactly "proof" for a landlord. The last job I had as a secretary, I was an independent contractor also, and I was laid off earlier this year so if I were to give the new landlords my tax return from last year it would not be the income that I am getting now. Does that make sense? What would be the best thing to do in my situation?

5 months ago - 1 answers