Renting and credit checks by landlords and agents

Landlords or agents usually check that:

• you're a reliable tenant

• you can afford the rent

They must also check your immigration status. 

Landlords and agents cannot charge fees for these checks.

Right to rent immigration checks

Landlords and agents must check your immigration status before they rent to you.

This is called a right to rent check.

See how to prove your right to rent on GOV.UK

Reference checks

Landlords or agents might ask for references from:

• a current or previous landlord

• your employer

You can use our letter template to provide references.

Income or affordability checks

Landlords and agents usually check that you can pay the rent.  

They might ask to see:

• an employment contract or letter from your employer

• recent payslips or bank statements

• proof of benefits  

Letting agents and landlords should not refuse to rent to you because you claim benefits.

Find out how to challenge DSS discrimination.

Credit checks

Landlords and agents can only run a credit check with your permission.

A credit check does not affect your credit score.

Landlords and agents can only do a 'soft search'.

This means they only see information that is already public.

For example, if you have CCJs, an IVA or bankruptcy.

The credit check does not tell landlords if you have missed rent payments but some landlords might check on landlord websites or social media.

You might not show up on a soft credit search if you're not registered to vote where you live.

More on problems with credit checks.

If you do not pass checks

If you fail an income, credit or reference check, you could offer to provide a guarantor.

A guarantor is usually a relative or friend who agrees to pay the rent or cover property damage if you do not.