When you apply for a rental property, the landlord or agent will usually carry out referencing checks. These typically include verifying your identity, confirming your employment and income, checking your credit history, and contacting your previous landlord for a reference.
Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, you can't be charged for referencing. The cost is paid by the landlord or agent. If anyone asks you to pay a referencing fee, refuse and report it.
Referencing can feel intrusive, but understanding what's being checked can help you prepare. A poor credit score doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it may lead the landlord to request a guarantor. A negative reference from a previous landlord can be more damaging, though you have the right to know what's been said and to challenge anything inaccurate.
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