Reference Check Process for Tenants

2023-05-12

A reference check is a quick and easy process that shows you are a suitable and trustworthy tenant. You will be required to provide proof of ID and address, proof of income, and a reference from your current or previous landlord, or your current or previous agent.

The Referencing Company We Partner With

Goodlord is a respected and trusted third party that will verify your details. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and manage all data adhering to Data Protection rules and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Step-by-Step Procedure:

Providing ID and Proof of Address

First, you will need to upload your proof of ID and address on the Goodlord platform to verify your identity.

In England, your landlord is legally required to view and photocopy a valid form of ID. This includes a valid passport, a valid driving licence, a National Identity Card, or an HM Revenue and Customs Tax Notification or Department of Work and Pensions letter.

Acceptable forms of proof of address include:

A driving licence showing your current address
A utility bill issued within the last three months (excluding mobile phone bills)
A council tax bill that’s valid for the current year
A bank, building society, or credit union statement from a recognised lender
A recent HM Revenue and Customs tax notification
Confirmation from the electoral roll that a person of that name lives at that address

Another option is a written reference sent directly from a referee. This referee must be a bank or regulated legal professional who has advised you for the previous two years and can provide details of your current address.

Providing ID if You are a Non-British Citizen

If you are a non-British citizen, you will need to provide a share code for your landlord or agent to prove your immigration status. They will then check this online.

Address History

Goodlord will need to confirm where you have been living during the past three years to help them verify your identity. If relevant, they will ask a previous landlord for a reference. Inform your previous landlord about the upcoming check to ensure a faster response. You should also have all necessary documentation ready to expedite the process and help you secure the property.

Previous Landlord References

Goodlord will contact your current landlord (or a previous one if you’re not currently renting but have been a tenant in the last three years) to obtain a reference, which they will then verify.

Income Verification

Goodlord will also seek written verification for employed, self-employed, or private wealth applicants. You are required to earn 2.5 times your annual rent to pass referencing or you may require a guarantor. The referee for an employed applicant must be an employee at the same company in a more senior position than you. Bank statements and payslips are also useful documents to include.

For self-employed or private wealth applicants, the reference must come from a registered accountant. Alternatively, you can provide a tax return dated within the last 12 months.

Students with no UK income will be asked to pay upfront.

Using a Guarantor

If your income does not meet the necessary criteria, you can seek a guarantor. Typically, this will be a parent, guardian, close relative, or friend who lives in the UK and can provide proof of ID and income. They will also be referenced and credit-checked.

Open Banking

Open banking (OB) is a government-backed scheme and a secure way to share financial records from an online bank account. It allows Goodlord to identify your income from employment, self-employment, pension, or other sources.

When You’ve Submitted Your Application Form

Once your application form has been submitted, Goodlord will immediately undertake a credit check. Upon completion, they will submit their final decision.