Employment Verification Letters
The letter every landlord and lender asks for.
A signed letter from an employer confirming employment status, role, and salary — often required alongside pay stubs.
Who it's for
- Rental applications
- Mortgage underwriting
- Background checks
- Visa applications
What's included
- Employer letterhead
- Role & tenure
- Salary confirmation
- HR signature & contact
What it proves
- Active employment
- Salary level
- Company contact for verification
What this document actually is
An employment verification letter — VOE in mortgage jargon — is the answer to a reviewer's "we need to hear from your employer" moment. It's a short letter on the company's letterhead confirming you work there, your role, your start date, and often your salary. Pay stubs prove you were paid; a VOE proves you are currently employed. Most rentals ask for one at final approval, and every conforming mortgage requires one before closing.
When people reach for this document
You're at the final step of a competitive rental application
The leasing office needs a VOE before they can send the lease. HR's standard template usually works, but many companies have a 5-day turnaround — pre-drafting the letter accelerates the process.
Your mortgage is 10 days from closing
Lenders re-verify employment within 10 days of closing. A pre-formatted letter your HR can quickly countersign shortens the loop.
You're applying for a K-1 or work visa
USCIS and consular officers accept a VOE as one of several employment proofs. The letter needs a corporate signatory and a callable contact.
What the delivered document looks like
- Company letterhead, dated within the last 30 days
- Addressee: reviewer name/institution
- Body: employee name, position, employment start date, employment status
- Salary and pay frequency (optional but usually requested)
- HR signatory: name, title, phone, and email
What reviewers check
- Letterhead matches a real corporate entity
- HR contact is reachable during business hours
- Position is consistent with what the applicant claimed
- Salary is consistent with the stubs on file
Questions specific to employment verification letters
Do I need salary on the letter?
For rentals and mortgages, yes. For general employment verification, role and dates are enough.
How recent must the letter be?
30 days for most reviewers. 10 days for mortgage close-of-escrow re-verification.
Can a manager sign instead of HR?
A direct manager works for most rentals. Mortgages and visas usually want HR or a corporate signatory.