What Checks Does a Landlord or Letting Agent Make?

Although renting a property may seem straightforward, several checks are carried out before making a decision. These checks will depend on the landlord or letting agency but often involve the following.

Credit Checks

Although landlords will need permission to carry out a credit check, they are often part of housing applications. Although a good credit score is not essential, those with very low credit scores could find they are not suitable for some rental properties. Understanding what a bad credit score entails can be helpful.

Guarantor Check

In instances of a low credit score, the landlord or letting agency will ask if a guarantor is available, who must be someone in ownership of their own home. If the person renting the property defaults on payments, then the responsibility will shift to the guarantor, which can be challenging to acquire in some instances. For more information on the implications of credit checks, see our post on why identity checking is important.

Reference Checks

Those moving property will be asked to give their former landlords' details. As with other checks, acquiring a reference ensures that letting agents and landlords can ascertain whether a tenant can maintain regular rent payments. There can also be instances where candidates will need an employer's reference to show that a job role listed is genuine and is not likely to end soon.

Identity Check

Identity checks are another standard part of renting a property, but landlords and agencies can carry out a series of checks to ensure documentation is genuine. Despite the advanced methods of fraud, more sophisticated means of identifying fraudulent documents ensure that fraud is minimised. For insights into the importance of identity verification, check our article on essential best practices for effective identity verification in the UK.

Right to Rent Check

Letting agencies and landlords ask for a copy of a passport allows them to check whether the person is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. If there is no passport but you have a biometric residence card, then this can be used instead.

Conclusion

How many checks are carried out will depend on the letting agent or landlord, but those wanting to rent a property should ensure that all information is up to date.