What is a tenant reference check?

A tenant reference check is the background verification landlords or agents carry out before approving a tenancy application - typically a credit check, income/employment confirmation, a reference from your current or previous landlord, and sometimes a right to rent check.

What to have ready:

• Proof of income
• Contact details for your current landlord/agent if you have one
• Bank statements if requested
• ID and right-to-rent documents

If you're worried about passing: self-employed people, students, and those new to the UK often face extra hurdles here - a guarantor or zero deposit scheme are common alternative routes to approval. Ask early rather than waiting to find out you've failed a check.