If you’re wondering what a letting agent checks during tenant referencing, here’s an overview of how tenant referencing checks work, plus our tips on how to pass.

What is Tenant Referencing?

Tenant referencing is the name given to the checks a letting agent carries out before accepting your rental application.

Some aspects of tenant referencing are required by law (like checking you have the right to rent in the UK), but most simply provide reassurance to landlords that you can afford the rent.

What is Checked During Tenant Referencing?

During tenant referencing, your landlord or letting agent will check three main things, including your:

• Right to rent
• Affordability
• Credit history
• Renting history
• References from previous landlords
• Credit history of any guarantors you’ve provided

During tenant referencing, you’ll usually need to provide personal information (like your full name and current address), recent payslips, an employment contract and proof of any benefit income you get.

How to Pass a Tenant Referencing Check

1.   Only Apply to Properties You Are Suitable For

Most people fail tenant referencing because of financially related issues.

The easiest way to avoid this is to talk candidly with your estate agent about your savings and income. They can help you apply to properties you can afford.

2.   Be Honest About Your Renting History

Having issues on your rent records (like missed payments) can feel embarrassing, but it’s best not to hide them. Being upfront about issues with your finances or renting history saves time and allows an objective view to be taken.

Plus, getting caught in a lie can mean you’ll lose your holding deposit – so it’s better to be honest.

3.   Check Your Credit Score is Correct

Credit score websites usually keep up to date with changes in your history, but things get missed all the time.

Issues can still appear on your record when they shouldn’t and some of your financial history can display incorrectly.

Before you apply for a new rental, run a quick check of your credit score and fix any issues asap.

4.   Get a Guarantor

If your financial situation isn’t ideal, consider arranging a guarantor. This is someone that can pay the rent for you if you miss a payment.

It’s best to ask someone you trust to be a guarantor – like a family member, partner or close friend.

Looking For a New Rental?

If you’re looking for a new rental, we’d love to help. Contact us to register your details and find out about properties we have available!