Tenant Screening Question

[Steven Griffith]

Hey y'all, I would appreciate some input.

I have a unit that a couple has applied for. Their credit is high 600s, background check is clean, and the only outstanding debt on their credit report is a mortgage, which has been paid consistently on time. They're moving to my area from GA, and I've been told she has a teaching job at the local high school. With their current combined income (GA income), they qualify. What she has told me that her salary will be at her new job alone makes them qualify.

Here's my problem: They're moving to NC from GA, where they were previously both teachers, and I don't want to approve them based on GA income when they are moving to NC. She has told me that she has a verbal offer, and will receive a written offer after they complete the background check. I reached out to the district to do an Employment check and was told "...(applicant) is not currently employed with the district". When I tried to clarify (the word 'currently'...) and asked if they were being considered for a position and/or if they had received a verbal offer, and informed them that they had applied for housing contingent on this job, I was then told 'I cannot release that information at this time'. This is the contact person the tenant provided at the district, and whom I verified actually worked at the district. I let the tenant know this response.

After hearing this, they conferred and called me back. They said their house is under contract with a back up offer in place, set to close on August 21st. They sent me the contract verifying this, and Zillow lists the house as pending. They asked if they can pay the sec deposit and 1st months rent now and move in on August 5th as planned, and if they can't provide an offer letter or proof of employment by Aug 21, then when their house closes they'll pay 6mo rent upfront.

What do y'all think? Anyone with more experience in PM and rentals have any advice? I have a few rentals, but have never had this situation arise before where the employer will not verify employment. Or, more specifically, where the employer is being vague.