How to pass tenant referencing

Several factors can lead to you failing tenant referencing. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Poor credit history
• Insufficient income
• Previous rental issues
• Unstable employment
• Criminal record

For more information on this topic, read our blog: Why would you fail tenant referencing?

Improving your chances of passing tenant referencing requires careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail. Here’s how to pass tenant referencing checks in five simple steps:

1. Ensure your finances are in order

Ensuring a steady and sufficiently high income is a crucial aspect of meeting a landlord's affordability checks and presenting yourself as a reliable tenant.

Landlords typically assess your income to confirm that you can comfortably afford the rent and other associated living expenses. 

This affordability assessment helps them to minimise the risk of potential payment issues during the tenancy.

It's advisable to proactively discuss your income situation with the landlord or letting agent in advance of the formal referencing process.

By doing so, you can gain a clear understanding of their specific income requirements and expectations. 

This open communication not only demonstrates your responsibility as a tenant but also allows you to address any concerns or provide additional information if needed.

Being transparent about your financial situation fosters trust and may contribute to a smoother application process, increasing the likelihood of securing the rental property.

2. Check your credit score

Checking your credit score with credit reference agencies like Experian, Equifax and TotallyMoney provides you with valuable insights into the same information landlords use during the tenant referencing process.

Your credit score reflects your creditworthiness and financial history, including details about your borrowing and payment habits. 

By obtaining this information, you can anticipate how landlords might evaluate your financial reliability. A higher credit score generally suggests a strong financial track record, while a lower score might indicate past financial challenges.

Reviewing your credit report allows you to identify any inaccuracies, address potential issues, and take steps to improve your creditworthiness if needed. 

This proactive approach not only empowers you with knowledge but also enables you to present a more informed and prepared image to landlords, potentially increasing your chances of a successful rental application.

3. Be honest about your situation

Responding truthfully to all questions during the referencing process is paramount for building trust with your potential landlord.

Even if you find yourself facing challenges, such as a low credit score or a past criminal record, it's advisable to be transparent about these aspects.

Landlords often appreciate tenants who are forthcoming about their circumstances, as it demonstrates integrity and a willingness to be open and cooperative.

If you have a less-than-ideal financial or legal history, openly addressing these matters during the referencing process allows you to provide context and, in some cases, may even present an opportunity to explain steps you've taken to rectify past issues.

Landlords are more likely to appreciate honesty and upfront communication rather than discovering discrepancies later in the process. 

Keep in mind that while being truthful may mean you don't meet certain criteria, it sets the foundation for an honest and transparent tenancy.

Concealing information, on the other hand, could lead to bigger issues down the line, including the potential termination of the lease agreement.

In the long run, honesty during the referencing process is a valuable investment in building a trustworthy and respectful landlord-tenant relationship.

4. Provide references

Supplying references from various sources, including previous landlords, employers, and trusted individuals like family or friends, can significantly enhance your credibility and make a positive impression on the landlord. References serve as a testament to your character, reliability, and suitability as a tenant.

References from previous landlords are especially useful because they offer insights into your rental history, showcasing your ability to meet lease obligations, maintain the property, and adhere to agreed-upon terms.

Positive feedback from past landlords can be a powerful endorsement for your prospective landlord.

Employment references also play a crucial role in demonstrating your financial stability and reliability as a tenant. They provide vital information about your job tenure, income stability, and your employer's perspective on your ability to meet financial commitments.

Personal references, such as those from family or friends, can offer a more holistic view of your character and lifestyle.

While not always as formal as landlord or employment references, they can still contribute to building a positive image and addressing any concerns the landlord may have.

When presenting references, ensure they are up-to-date, accurate, and readily available. Proactively offering comprehensive references signals your commitment to transparency and cooperation.

It reassures landlords that you’re a responsible and trustworthy tenant, increasing the likelihood of a successful rental application.

5. Be prepared to act quickly

Upon receiving a positive reference, it's crucial to act swiftly to secure the property and solidify your tenancy. This entails promptly completing the necessary steps, such as paying the deposit and signing the tenancy agreement. 

The immediacy of your response demonstrates to the landlord or letting agent that you’re committed and serious about renting the property.

Promptly take care of the following loose ends to secure your rental property:

• Payment of deposit - Most landlords require a security deposit to secure the property. Once you've received a positive reference, be prepared to make the deposit payment promptly. This financial commitment reserves the property for you and serves as a gesture of good faith to the landlord.

• Signing the tenancy agreement - The tenancy agreement outlines the terms and conditions of your lease. After obtaining a positive reference, review the agreement carefully, and if acceptable, sign it promptly. This formalises the arrangement and provides legal clarity for both parties.
  
  
• Communication with the landlord or agent - Stay in communication with the landlord or their representative throughout this process. Inform them of your intention to proceed, ask about any specific steps or requirements, and seek clarification on any aspects of the agreement that may need explanation.
  
  

Documentation and identification - Be prepared to provide any additional documentation or identification that may be required to complete the leasing process. This may include proof of income, identification documents, and any other documents requested by the landlord.