Letting Agent Question Referencing

ronaldtrump

Hi, 

Is a credit reference check considered a suitable reference for a letting agent to obtain? Or do they need more?

Thank you 

MultiFuelBurner

Blood sample and DNA test these days as well.

LegallyLandlord

It depends on the letting agent/landlord, but the standard is a credit check (which includes CCJs), employer's reference and landlord reference.

Here's a summary: https://theindependentlandlord.com/choose-good-tenants/#due-diligence

DullGreyGuy

ronaldtrump said:

Is a credit reference check considered a suitable reference for a letting agent to obtain? Or do they need more?

Credit checks only show that you've historically paid what you owed... could be you've smashed up the last 4 places you've rented but either paid the damage or the landlord didn't think you had the means to pay so didn't attempt to get a CCJ

At a minimum they'd typically want references from the prior landlord. I've heard of employers references being requested, maybe if your recent credit history isnt great, but never had it personally. 

Gavin83

It’s been a few years since I’ve rented (before all the current chaos!) but when I did I’ve often required employer references. My credit history was excellent too so I expect it would be a standard check for anyone. It also wasn’t a new employer, I’d been there a number of years.

The requirements will vary from agency to agency though.

theartfullodger

There is no legal requirement for a landlord or agent to require any checks or references of Tenants .

My best ever tenants only checks were from a neighbour of mine who said "Mr Artful, they very nice people". They were.

It is as legally OK for a tenant to require references of a landlord (fit & proper person, ownership/mortgage status of property, any property  related criminal  history). Dunno how it would be provided mind

Gavin83

theartfullodger said:

It is as legally OK for a tenant to require references of a landlord (fit & proper person, ownership/mortgage status of property, any property  related criminal  history). Dunno how it would be provided mind

I can’t see any reason a potential tenant couldn’t ask for such information from their landlord. Of course the landlord is free to say no. Similarly the potential tenant is also free to say no to any reference checks if they do wish.

theartfullodger

Indeed   Where there are Landlord registers potential tenants (or anyone else) may usually be able to check name & address of landlord, £3 with land registry (England and Wales) can check ownership and if mortgage (don't have to be owner to be landlord) and where there are free open to all Housing FTT can check dispute history with previous tenants.

BobT36

Gavin83 said:

It’s been a few years since I’ve rented (before all the current chaos!) but when I did I’ve often required employer references. My credit history was excellent too so I expect it would be a standard check for anyone. It also wasn’t a new employer, I’d been there a number of years.

The requirements will vary from agency to agency though.

Yep I've had employer references too. They generally just want to know that yes you are indeed in work, with x job title. I don't 'think' they get the salary info. 

Murphybear

BobT36 said:

Gavin83 said:

It’s been a few years since I’ve rented (before all the current chaos!) but when I did I’ve often required employer references. My credit history was excellent too so I expect it would be a standard check for anyone. It also wasn’t a new employer, I’d been there a number of years.

The requirements will vary from agency to agency though.

Yep I've had employer references too. They generally just want to know that yes you are indeed in work, with x job title. I don't 'think' they get the salary info. 

The landlord/agency will need proof of income to ensure the tenant can afford the rent.