2026 Midyear Fraud Report on Applicant Trust

This document is a report detailing the findings from the 2026 Midyear Fraud Report, focusing on applicant trust in the multifamily rental market. It presents six months of verification data, indicating that the majority of renters are truthful about their identities and financial situations. The report highlights a national fraud rate of 3.8%, emphasizing that while this figure may suggest a decrease in fraud, it actually reflects a complex verification landscape influenced by various factors. The report outlines significant variations in fraud rates across different metropolitan areas, particularly in the Sun Belt region, where some cities experience much higher rates of altered submissions. Additionally, it discusses the importance of verification methods, noting that while connected payroll and bank linking are effective, many applicants still prefer to upload documents due to various personal reasons. The report concludes by stressing the need for evolving verification processes to keep pace with the changing nature of fraud in the rental market.