Letting property in the UK can be highly profitable — but it comes with risk. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your investment is through a tenant reference check. This process helps verify a prospective tenant’s suitability and reduces the likelihood of late payments, property damage, or legal disputes.
At Fraser Bond, we understand the importance of placing reliable tenants. In this guide, we explain what tenant reference checks involve, why they’re essential, and how we support landlords in making informed letting decisions.
A tenant reference check is a screening process used by landlords and letting agents to assess a tenant’s reliability, financial stability, and rental history before granting a tenancy. The goal is to confirm whether the applicant is likely to pay rent on time and care for the property.
Confirming the applicant’s identity
Ensuring they have the legal right to rent in the UK (as required by law under the Immigration Act 2014)
Reviewing the tenant’s credit history
Checking for County Court Judgements (CCJs), insolvencies, or adverse credit events
Confirming job title, employer, and contract status
Assessing affordability (typically using a 2.5x–3x rent-to-income ratio)
Feedback on rent payment history, property condition, and conduct during tenancy
Used to verify affordability and financial behaviour (often facilitated via Open Banking referencing for real-time accuracy)
Verifying income and financial history lowers the chances of late or missed rent payments.
Landlords are legally required to conduct Right to Rent checks in England. Failure to do so may result in penalties.
References from previous landlords help assess whether the applicant will maintain the property responsibly.
Using trusted referencing systems speeds up the vetting process, reducing void periods and improving occupancy rates.
Yes — a reference check may flag issues such as:
Insufficient income
Adverse credit history
Poor conduct in a previous tenancy
Inability to verify employment
However, a failed reference does not automatically disqualify a tenant. In some cases, a guarantor, higher deposit, or advance rent payment may mitigate risk.
Fraser Bond uses a robust, professional referencing process that ensures compliance and clarity at every stage. We work with FCA-regulated partners and industry-standard tools to provide:
Right to Rent verification
Comprehensive financial and credit assessments
Employer and landlord references
Optional Open Banking affordability checks
Clear pass/fail recommendations and risk indicators
Our team keeps landlords informed throughout the process, allowing for fast and confident decisions.
Start early: Begin referencing as soon as an application is received to avoid delays.
Use a professional referencing service: DIY checks can miss key legal or financial red flags.
Be consistent: Apply the same criteria to all applicants to ensure fairness and avoid discrimination claims.
Understand the results: A failed check may still be workable with safeguards in place.
Tenant reference checks are an essential safeguard for any landlord. They help ensure you're letting to reliable, responsible individuals and give you the confidence to proceed with a tenancy agreement.
Fraser Bond provides professional, compliant, and efficient tenant referencing as part of our end-to-end letting service. With our support, you can let your property with confidence, knowing the right checks are in place from the outset.
