Holding deposits
If the landlord will not rent to you
You should get your holding deposit back within 7 days.
The landlord or agent must usually return your holding deposit even if:
you do not pass a credit or income check
they are not happy with your references
Your holding deposit should be returned if you gave accurate information when you paid it.
Find out more about passing affordability and credit checks.
Affordability and referencing checks
Many agents and landlords do affordability checks. This means they check your income and what you spend to make sure you can afford the rent.
They might ask you for a rent guarantor if you cannot pass these checks.
Credit checks
Landlords and agents can only do a 'soft search' of your credit history if you say yes to this.
This means they only see information about you that is already public. For example, if you have gone bankrupt or a court ordered you to pay someone money.
Credit checks also search the electoral roll. If you are not registered to vote where you live you might not pass the check. For example, if you're a student or have moved recently.
Only say yes to a credit check if you know you will pass it.
You can ask for a credit check to be waived if you can show you can afford to live in the property.
Find out more about renting with a poor credit history.
Last updated: 30 April 2024
