Mitigating risk with applicant whom receives income through tips

[Wesley W.]

Hi guys,

So, how are you folks vetting the in come of applicants that earn cash income (such as wait staff).  Back in the "equitable days" of NYS law, I would have just collected an additional security deposit and/or last month's rent as part of move-in.  However, NYS changed the laws last year to disallow collecting anything more than one month's rent in advance, all move-in expenses included.  Without those means to mitigate my business risk (especially given the precarious state of the restaurant industry), I feel like just passing on these applicants as they create a heightened business risk for me which I am disinclined to shoulder, especially given the times.  This is prime example of the state government hurting the very people they are "trying to help."

The "security deposit bond" companies such as Rhino and Obligo will not work as they require at least a year's lease, and I only offer month-to-month contracts.

Any ideas?