Lanlord nosey about me being self employed?

[JessicaMarie_]

Hi everyone


I work on mfc fulltime and have for a long time now. I just turned in an application for an apartment I really want the other day and wrote down im self employed on the application. The realtor specifcally asked what do I do as self employed and I said I do "Media sales and make up" (I asked on another camgirl forum and 99% of girls said thats what they write and its always worked for them, thats why I did this too). I provided ALL my tax work and paystub deposits to the realtor everything I could and they just asked me this:

"Do you have anything that shows a company name (if you have one) or a website or something that shows you do media sales?"

......I dont know what to say, even if I said anything along the lines that I dont want to provide that info what if they come back at me and ask "well how do you promote your work then?"

I dont know what to say/do I REALLY want this apartment lol
Any help or info would be so appreciated!!!

 

[Puffin]

You have no company as your self-employed. Other then saying no, perhaps give myfreecamsmail.com although this might result in a landlord finding out to much.

 

[Teagan]

It sounds like they are asking for a website some places give you to sell products. Avon or Scentsy give you them when you sign up for them i'm told from friends who sell it. So you could quickly find a place that gives you a site and give that to them since you did say make up. Or you could say you work from a place like ODesk so the jobs are freelance and therefore not a site itself. You could also say it's affiliate money you mostly make so it's posting and social media links only. Ask them if instead they would prefer a few more months of bank statements to show proof instead.

 

[JickyJuly]

If you work on MFC don't they put MFCXY on your 1099? I think this website is theirs to help girls coverstory. http://www.mfcxy.com

 

[CrazyCatLady]

Why have you not incorporated yourself? I incorporated and pay myself a salary...so I have W2's that have my corporations name as my employer. I also saves me well over $20 a year because of the pass through of dividends. I really suggest this for all cam girls who are serious about camming. You save so much money and hassle...especially when applying for loans/rentals.

 

[FayePotato]

If you work on MFC don't they put MFCXY on your 1099? I think this website is theirs to help girls coverstory. http://www.mfcxy.com

I thought this was a good cover too, with one exception. I tried to think like my mom (who isn't very tech-savvy) because I need to come up with a story to tell her anyways. So, I went to that site, and found that's it's really really vague. And there's no way on the site to glean more information than they give you on the homepage. If I were my mom (or anyone who was legitimately curious) I would then search something like "what is mfcxy." This search totally gives away the cover, and all the top results have to do with MyFreeCams. So, maybe not the best thing to tell someone who might actually look into it. But, if they're someone who won't care enough to go digging, I suppose it'd probably work.

ETA: It's quite possible I'm totally overthinking this, I just thought it might be worth mentioning.

 

[violetvibe]

I think your landlord is too nosey. You can say your income is online from various things and if your bank deposits are not enough look for a different place and landlord maybe.

 

[Poison_Ivy21]

That seems kinda weird that they would ask that. You have pay stubs, thats proof that you're selling something legally. It seems really strange to me that they would inquire further...Nosey asses

My cover story usually works really well. I work for Streamate so my pay stubs say ICF Technology. I just tell people I handle server security for an internet company that owns streaming sites. The guy that fixes my computer actually does that for ICF so that's where I got the idea. People usually don't ask any further questions because once you start talking about techy stuff, most people just check out.

 

[Lady_Sebilla]

Gosh even my mom doesn't ask so much questions about my life

 

[HiGirlsRHot]

If you work on MFC don't they put MFCXY on your 1099? I think this website is theirs to help girls coverstory. http://www.mfcxy.com

I think the MFCXY link would have worked for 2 out of my last 3 property managers. The new one is pretty sharp so she might dig further. Just to provide prospective on the other side, why are landlords asking these question. I own a few rental properties in Vegas, the last woman who I rented to with a sketch employment "I work for an internet company" really trashed my place. She had a money an ok but not great credit score, and good W2 and payroll documents. I had to evict her for non payment. During the eviction process she tried to sublet the place to a least two people. They got suspicious when she demand cash and wouldn't take a cashiers check.

After she was evicted and the locks were changed, she used the garage door opener to get back in the house where she took all the appliance including the water heater, and she didn't even turn off the water resulting in extensive water damage. All told more than 5K in repair and eviction cost, and 3 months lost rent all this for a house I rent for $950. So yes, If you don't work for a Casino, the government, or a large business,you'll get a lot more scrutiny. One of these days I'll ask my property manager how she evaluates sex workers, it's Vegas after all.

 

[JickyJuly]

Yeah I definitely wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the landlord is being nosy or acting outside of his rights. When you're self employed and renting the landlord has some rights as to what the house can be used for if specified in the lease I believe? I think my last rental specified in the lease that it was not to be used for home work. When I reiterated to the landlord that I did work from home, he didn't care as long as there weren't going to be client meetings held there. This couldn't have been based on zoning because our area is unincorporated. There are all sorts of little shops set up among houses in my neighborhood. It's way easier to be picky about leasing than to try to get someone out. Even getting a squatter out takes time.

 

[Ann_Sulu]

When apartment hunting, I said I could provide bank statements, tax documents etc. They told me if I got a certified letter from a CPA that they'd be fine with it. Maybe that'll help.

 

[Jessi]

Id just explain that no, you are self employed/freelance so you deposit to yourself or get transfers from the various entities youve done jobs for.

On applications I usually say Im a dancer, simply because most people know what that is and wont need many questions/explaining. Ive also used "Adult chat host""adult performer". When I submit a rental application I supply my Payoneer statement from the past year with the "payee" column removed and explain that this is the payroll company I use. (youd use your bank I suppose). If you leave MFCXY or Chaturbate or whatever on the statements you will have to explain what those things are or they'll google it themselves.

Do you live in a conservative area where you feel like being honest will hinder your being accepted?

Others Ive used:
Billing support for an adult site network
freelance web admin/design
customer service chat support

 

[JerryBoBerry]

Also you could always say you have to sign confidentiality agreements. Can't talk about it.

 

[AshleyNicole_]

They could also be asking because some home business could be risky for insurance purposes of you or they aren't covered properly.

 

[Swizzles]

Is this an American thing? I'm a landlord and as long as a potential tenant can provide proof of income and the deposit I don't care what they do to get that income (unless it's crime or drugs related). I can understand that you, as a cam model, might not want your landlord to know you cam.

 

[Jessi]

Is this an American thing? I'm a landlord and as long as a potential tenant can provide proof of income and the deposit I don't care what they do to get that income (unless it's crime or drugs related). I can understand that you, as a cam model, might not want your landlord to know you cam.

Yeah, Im in Canada and "home business" insurance only seems to apply if you have a business that involves people coming in an out of the home (IE a daycare or massage therapy). Its a liability because people other than the tenant are using the space. if this is their reasoning then Im guessing they don't actually understand what you do.

PLENTY of people in other fields need to work from home on the computer or phone by themselves (web designer, etc) and they dont need to get permission from their landlord.

When you're making up a legal contract like a lease, honesty about what you do is the best policy. You may need to explain clearly what a camgirl is and does, because a lot of people still don't know. IE "I am a webcam chat host for adult websites. I work from home via a webcam, and my job doesnt involve meeting anyone in person or anyone but myself being in the apartment. I use different web tools, and I'm indepently contracted, not employed by any particular company" and Ive only had to explain in that much detail once. I just put "self" on the "employer" line and no one really asks.

However, you shouldnt need to disclose which websites you use or your username on those sites, that is where it tips over into weird territory. And I wouldnt give it, I dont want to rent from someone who would be trying to watch me online and has my personal info AND knows my cam identity. If you were a graphic designer, it would be unsual for your landlord to demand access to your portfolio.

Again, if you're worried that explaining camming is too hard to explain/the landlord is conservative Id explain something like "well I do customer support (amazon, best buy whatever), I log into a website and receive customer support tickets. Sometimes I may need to take calls from my management" and so on.

That being said, I have never been asked for anything more than paystubs/bank statements or a credit check and a good reference from a previous landlord. They dont care what you're doing as long as its legal and you follow the apartment rules.


sorry for the jumbled post. Again, I can only speak for where I live. People should understand the tenancy laws for their own location.

 

[NerdieBirdie]

Yeah I definitely wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the landlord is being nosy or acting outside of his rights. When you're self employed and renting the landlord has some rights as to what the house can be used for if specified in the lease I believe? I think my last rental specified in the lease that it was not to be used for home work. When I reiterated to the landlord that I did work from home, he didn't care as long as there weren't going to be client meetings held there. This couldn't have been based on zoning because our area is unincorporated. There are all sorts of little shops set up among houses in my neighborhood. It's way easier to be picky about leasing than to try to get someone out. Even getting a squatter out takes time.

You just helped me understand why when I was in the approval process for the place I am currently moving to, she called to specifically ask if people were going to be meeting there, to which of course I said no. I thought it was weird but now it makes sense. Thanks!

 

[NerdieBirdie]

I just flatout wrote webcam model. I live in a state that caters to landlords on the side of the law, so I don't need to seem as though I am lying or something which could be a lease violation. I wrote MFCXY as my employer, explained I was an independent contractor so there was no boss to call, wrote "webcam model" as my description of work, and then provided pre-printed histories of my MFC payments as well as my year total to prove to her it was consistent.

 

[MaxFlower]

do landlords usually need to see more than the last two paychecks' worth of pay stubs? I ask because if I showed someone how much I made last year, they'd reject me in a heartbeat, even though my earnings are increasing this year--and by the time I'm ready to apartment-hunt and sign a lease, I want my 2 previous (one month's worth) paychecks will be so 33% of my income is enough to pay rent.

 

[dilligaf0]

Many also run credit report checks.

 

[SaffronBurke]

do landlords usually need to see more than the last two paychecks' worth of pay stubs? I ask because if I showed someone how much I made last year, they'd reject me in a heartbeat, even though my earnings are increasing this year--and by the time I'm ready to apartment-hunt and sign a lease, I want my 2 previous (one month's worth) paychecks will be so 33% of my income is enough to pay rent.

The last two paystubs are usually about all they'll ask, though if it's close to the beginning of the year, they may also ask for last year's W-2.

 

[NerdieBirdie]

Many also run credit report checks.

And this is why I provide total earnings. I have completely shot horrific credit thanks to not qualifying for insurance pre-Obamacare so from age 18-22 I had hospital visits outside of insurance which of course in the US costs like $6k a visit. It ruined my credit forever, so I like to just hand over paperwork and be like, "BUT LOOK WHAT I MAKE!" so that my credit score becomes a non-issue.

 

[Mila_]

In my experience the more expensive the place you want to move into, the more questions they will ask about you. Last month when I moved here, I had to provide my landlord with pay stubs (or other proof of income) and my bank account balance with 40x rent (I am a foreigner with no SS# so they can't check my credit). I thought that would be the end of it, but then my agent told me I had to do the same with the building management company and fill out a 5 page questionnaire. And once I did that, the condo association requested an interview with me.

It was annoying and made me anxious, but I understand why they do it. Both the landlord AND the condo have an interest in keeping the community safe. The landlord needs to make sure you can actually afford the place, and the association wants to know you wont be a trouble maker that will bother the other neighbours or pose a threat to the community. I am more than happy to provide info because I know everyone else in the building did. So chances are I will be surrounded with decent people.

When it comes to what to say.. I like that some girls are straightforward and tell the truth. Ballsy! I don't tell the truth because, why tip your hand if you do not have to? I find there is still a lot of prejudice towards sex work (and I am okay with it, it is unlikely to ever change, its what keeps this business so profitable yadda yadda) So I usually say I am a freelance journalist because it is true, it just isn't all the truth. It helps to have a career outside camland because even when it pays a fraction of what you can make on cam, you will be able to use it to save face in straight world.

 

[JickyJuly]

Mila makes a seriously good point re: sexwork bias. Your job is not a protected tidbit from discrimination. They can totally, blatantly say they aren't interested in housing you because of it. When I managed a porn store/headshop, a used car dealership turned me down saying "We're a Christian establishment and not comfortable with your place of business". I proved them wrong by throwing a chair. Hehehe.

 

[CrazyCatLady]

Why have you not incorporated yourself? I incorporated and pay myself a salary...so I have W2's that have my corporations name as my employer. I also saves me well over $20 a year because of the pass through of dividends. I really suggest this for all cam girls who are serious about camming. You save so much money and hassle...especially when applying for loans/rentals.

This should say $20,000 a year. Not $20. Ha. That would hardly be worth it.

 

[CrazyCatLady]

And this is why I provide total earnings. I have completely shot horrific credit thanks to not qualifying for insurance pre-Obamacare so from age 18-22 I had hospital visits outside of insurance which of course in the US costs like $6k a visit. It ruined my credit forever, so I like to just hand over paperwork and be like, "BUT LOOK WHAT I MAKE!" so that my credit score becomes a non-issue.

Not forever! There is word of big changes coming to FICO which are going to wipe out a lot of medical debt as far as FICO reporting and it affecting your credit.

 

[CrazyCatLady]

You just helped me understand why when I was in the approval process for the place I am currently moving to, she called to specifically ask if people were going to be meeting there, to which of course I said no. I thought it was weird but now it makes sense. Thanks!

As a landlord this is a HUGE question I ask. The reason? Liability and insurance. LLP (home insurance on a rental) will deny claims if a home is being used as a business. Say you were running a massage parlor...you hurt someone's back unintentionally...they can now sue you AND the landlord. Insurance won't cover it. All leases state that you can not run a business out of the home...and most GOOD landlords should require that you carry renters insurance...further protecting them.

 

[KylieJacobs]

Could they be asking for more information since you said you do "make up"? They could be wondering if you are a "make up artist" and have people coming to your home (as some have suggested above) on a regular basis.

 

[HiGirlsRHot]

do landlords usually need to see more than the last two paychecks' worth of pay stubs? I ask because if I showed someone how much I made last year, they'd reject me in a heartbeat, even though my earnings are increasing this year--and by the time I'm ready to apartment-hunt and sign a lease, I want my 2 previous (one month's worth) paychecks will be so 33% of my income is enough to pay rent.

Generally not. However most paycheck stubs show the total wage earned this year and earning through Aug. would count more than last year. So a called to the employer verifying they've been working their for the last couple of years is sufficient. If all you paycheck show is your earning the last month,than yes they'll generally ask for more documentation.

Self-employed people's income is more variable and causes more concern for landlords. If you have documentation for how much you made, and plenty of cash in the bank, then I'd stick with a cover story.
The bad news is sex workers do get discriminated against. The good news is they have a reputation for being well paid and often under reporting income especially for dancers. Which from a landlords perspective is just fine, how much taxes you pay is between you and the IRS. In most cases sex workers have have higher paying jobs than the cover jobs. So a dancer claiming $60K/year with some documentation would be totally believable, a make up artist less so and free lance journalist even less likely.

Finally, in most market landlords don't have a lot of choices. I'm lucky to get 2 or 3 even marginally qualified applicants.