What every property owner in Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, and beyond needs to know before accepting a single online rental application.
1. What Is Zillow's Rental Application?
Zillow lets renters fill out one application and send it to many landlords at once. It sounds easy. But "easy" is not the same as "safe." When you use Zillow's built-in application, you get very little control over how tenants are checked out.
Zillow is a listing platform, not a tenant screening company. There is an important difference between the two.
A listing platform helps you advertise a home. A screening service checks if a renter is who they say they are. Zillow does the first job well. The second job? Not so much — at least not with the depth most landlords need.
2. The Screening Gap Problem
Here is the real issue. Zillow allows renters to upload their own documents — like pay stubs, bank statements, and ID. But Zillow does not always verify those documents are real.
Fake or altered documents are easy to make with basic computer tools. Renters who want to lie about their income or rental history know exactly how to do this — and they know which platforms will not catch it.
The result? You as a landlord may think you picked a great tenant. Then the first month of rent never comes. And under NC and SC law, evicting someone takes time and money.
$3,500+
Avg. eviction cost in NC
60–90
Days to complete eviction in SC
1 in 5
Rental apps may have false info*
*Industry estimate from TransUnion SmartMove research
3. Why This Matters Extra in NC and SC
The Carolinas have seen huge growth in recent years. Cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Columbia, and Greenville are some of the fastest-growing rental markets in the U.S. More renters means more competition — and sadly, more people who try to game the system.
North Carolina uses small claims court (Magistrate Court) for evictions. South Carolina uses Magistrate Court as well. Both states require landlords to follow specific legal steps before removing a non-paying tenant. Skipping steps or doing it wrong can delay the whole process by weeks.
The NC Residential Rental Agreements Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-1 et seq.) and the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq.) both set out strict rules for landlords. Choosing tenants carefully upfront is your best protection.
4. What Rental Fraud Looks Like
Rental fraud is not rare. Here are some common tricks bad-faith renters use:
- Uploading a pay stub with a higher income number than they really earn
- Using a friend or family member as a fake "previous landlord" reference
- Submitting a bank statement that has been edited in a photo app
- Applying with a slightly different name to avoid a background check hit
- Using a fake or borrowed Social Security Number
The sad truth is that these tricks often work on platforms that do not call employers, verify bank accounts, or run a full credit check through the major bureaus.
5. A Better Screening Checklist for Landlords
You have the right to screen tenants carefully. In fact, good screening protects both you and your future tenants. Here is what a solid process looks like:
- Use a third-party screening service like TransUnion SmartMove, RentSpree, or Buildium — these verify data directly, not just read uploads
- Run a full credit report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — not just a score
- Call the employer directly using a number you find yourself — not one the renter gives you
- Ask for two to three months of bank statements and look for consistent deposits
- Call the previous landlord — again, find the number yourself
- Set a written income standard, such as monthly income 3x the rent — apply it to everyone equally
- Check for eviction records in both NC and SC if the applicant has lived in both states
Important: Your screening rules must be the same for every applicant. Under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) and NC and SC fair housing laws, you cannot apply different standards based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. Always apply your criteria in writing and consistently.
6. Your Rights as a Landlord in NC and SC
You have every right to say no to an application — as long as you follow fair housing rules. Here is what you can legally do:
- Charge a reasonable application fee to cover the cost of screening
- Deny an applicant who does not meet your income or credit standards
- Ask for a larger security deposit if allowed by state law (NC allows up to 2 months' rent for most leases; SC has similar rules)
- Require a co-signer if the applicant does not qualify on their own
- Use your own lease agreement with added protections — just have a local real estate attorney review it
Working with a local property manager or REALTOR® who knows NC and SC landlord-tenant law can save you money, time, and stress. The NC REALTORS® and SC REALTORS® associations both have resources for investment property owners.
The Bottom Line
Zillow is a great tool for finding renters. But its application process alone is not enough to protect you. In fast-growing markets like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Columbia, and Greenville, competition for rentals is high — and that means some bad-faith renters will try to take advantage of landlords who do not screen carefully.
Take the extra steps. Use a verified screening service. Check documents yourself. Apply your standards in writing. And when in doubt, talk to a licensed property manager or real estate attorney in your area.
Your rental property is a big investment. Protect it with a process that is bigger than a free online form.
