Are You Rent Ready? A Tenant’s Guide to Passing Referencing Checks
Looking to rent your next home? Before you start booking viewings, it’s vital to make sure you’re “rent ready”. In today’s competitive market, landlords and agents need to know you’re reliable, responsible, and ready to go. That means being prepared for referencing checks—credit, affordability, and landlord history. If you’re unsure what that all means, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect and how to boost your chances of securing that dream rental.
Understanding the Referencing Process
When you apply to rent a property, your prospective landlord or letting agent will want to ensure you’re a suitable and secure tenant. That’s where the referencing process comes in. It’s a standard part of renting and usually involves three key checks: credit history, affordability, and a landlord reference.
Think of it as a way to demonstrate that you’re financially stable, pay your rent on time, and have looked after previous properties. Most agents use referencing companies to carry out these checks, and while each one has their own approach, the essentials are broadly the same.
It’s important to understand that not ticking one box doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be rejected—especially not with Bright Star Lettings. We take a realistic and human approach. But many high street agents won’t even consider you unless your application is squeaky clean.
The more prepared you are, the smoother the process will be. That’s why we encourage all prospective tenants to get rent ready before starting their search. Knowing what will be checked—and having the right documents to hand—can save time, reduce stress, and give you the best chance of securing the property you want.
The Landlord Referencing: Why You Can’t Skip It
When it comes to referencing, the landlord check often causes the most anxiety. We get it—maybe your current landlord isn’t your biggest fan, or perhaps you’re trying to move without them knowing just yet. But here’s the reality: landlord references are a key part of the process, and they’re rarely optional.
A good landlord reference helps confirm you’ve paid rent on time, looked after the property, and followed the terms of your tenancy. Understandably, agents and landlords want reassurance that you’re not likely to cause issues—or leave unpaid rent behind.
If you’re reluctant to list your current landlord, be upfront about it. We’ve heard it all before, and honesty really is the best policy. Trying to avoid a reference altogether tends to raise more red flags than a tricky conversation does.
At Bright Star Lettings, we work with both tenants and landlords to navigate these situations. If you’ve had problems with a previous landlord, talk to us—we may be able to offer advice or find a workaround, such as offering a guarantor or providing a reference from a longer-term landlord instead.
The bottom line? Don’t let a difficult past rental hold up your future—just be honest and prepared.
Credit Checks: What They Reveal (and What They Don’t)
Credit checks are a standard part of tenant referencing—and for many renters, the most daunting. They’re used to give landlords a snapshot of your financial history, looking at things like missed payments, defaults, County Court Judgements (CCJs), or bankruptcy. But don’t panic: not having a perfect credit score doesn’t mean you won’t find a rental.
Some landlords—particularly those with rent guarantee insurance—require a clean credit record to protect their investment. This is where many high street agents apply a strict “computer says no” approach. But at Bright Star Lettings, we take the time to understand the full picture. A small blip or old issue won’t automatically rule you out—especially if you’re upfront about it and can provide a guarantor.
We’ve worked with plenty of tenants who’ve had past credit issues. The key is being honest and prepared. Check your credit report before applying so you know what’s likely to show up. If there’s something negative, tell us about it in advance—we’ll do our best to advise you.
One landlord recently told us, “If they had perfect credit and earned a fortune, they probably wouldn’t be renting my flat.” That says it all—real landlords value honesty over perfection.
Affordability Referencing: Showing You Can Pay the Rent
Affordability is one of the simplest—and most important—parts of being rent ready. Put simply, agents and landlords want to be sure you can comfortably afford the rent each month. The general rule? You need to earn at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. So, if the rent is £1,000, your household income should be at least £2,500 a month.
To prove this, you’ll usually need to provide recent payslips, an employment contract, and bank statements. If you’re self-employed, be ready to show your most recent accounts or a reference from your accountant. It’s not about invading your privacy—it’s about building trust and reducing risk.
Affordability checks don’t just help the landlord—they also protect you from signing up for a tenancy you can’t realistically sustain. If you’re just under the threshold, don’t give up. You might still be considered—especially with a guarantor in place or if other aspects of your application are strong.
At Bright Star Lettings, we’re not here to trip you up. We’re here to help you put your best foot forward—and that starts with being prepared and transparent about your finances.
Final Tips to Get Rent Ready
Being rent ready isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. Understanding what agents and landlords look for can make all the difference when applying for your next home. So get your documents in order, be honest about your situation, and show you’re ready to be a great tenant.
Looking for your next rental in Torbay, Teignbridge or the South Hams? Get in touch with Bright Star Lettings—we’re here to help every step of the way.