How to Pass a Tenant Referencing Check in Cornwall
By Rhiannon Llewellyn |
Created on 3rd February 2022
Happy Tenants Gettings Keys to New Home
Finding your dream rental is usually the easiest and most enjoyable part of moving. But writing your rental application and undergoing tenant referencing isn’t quite as much fun. Unfortunately, it’s all part of the process.
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 landlord or 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 – this is generally done by checking bank statements or less envasive and quicker by Open Banking
Credit history
Some letting agents check several other things during tenant referencing, too, which can include:
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. Check out our rent affordability calculator here.
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 you are a student or your financial situation isn’t ideal, you may need to 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?
We are the local property experts in Cornwall. If you need any type of property advice, contact us on 01326 331812 or email hello@llcoproperty.com, and we’ll be delighted to help.
Rhiannon Llewellyn is the co-owner and founder of Lang Llewellyn, a Cornwall-based estate agency dedicated to expert sales, lettings and property management. Holding a Level 4 qualification in Residential Property Management, Rhiannon combines deep industry knowledge with a commitment to outstanding service. She takes pride in helping landlords and tenants navigate the local property market with confidence, offering a professional yet personal approach to every client relationship.
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