top of page
Search

🏠Tenant Checks Landlords Should Do Before Agreeing a Tenancy in the UK



Before letting a property, landlords should carry out thorough checks to ensure they are renting to reliable, responsible tenants.


1. Identity Verification and Proof of Address

  • Check official ID such as a passport and Driving Licence

  • Utility bills (gas, electricity, water) –dated within the last 3 months

  • Bank or building society statements – dated within the last 3 months

  • Council tax bill - dated within the last 3 months

  • Government correspondence – HMRC, benefits or other official letters - dated within the last 3 months

  • Tenancy agreements – current rental agreement confirming their residence

  • Confirm that the tenant’s name and address match the ID.


2. Right to Rent Checks

  • All tenants in England must have the legal right to rent in the UK, substantial fines or imprisonment for not doing so

  • Both British and non British tenants should be checked - classed as discrimination if you only check non British citizens

  • A right to rent home office share code can be obtained for non British citizens

  • Keep copies of documents as proof of compliance (required by law).


3. Credit and Financial Checks

  • Check the tenant’s credit history via a referencing agency.

  • Look for:

    • Payment history

    • Existing debts or County Court Judgments (CCJs)

    • Source of income

    • Affordability

  • Rent should ideally not exceed 30–40% of monthly income to reduce arrears risk.


4. Employment and Income Verification

  • Ask for recent payslips or bank statements to verify employment and income.

  • For self-employed tenants, request SA302 tax documents

  • Confirm the tenant can afford the rent.


    5. Employment Reference

    • Landlords should ask for an employment reference, previous employer or professional referee if unemployed - always obtain by email, if an employer, check the email address is legitimate


6. Landlord Reference

  • Contact previous landlords to check:

    • Payment history

    • Property care and maintenance - ask for a copy of the check out report if already left the property

    • Any disputes or issues during tenancy

  • This gives insight into tenant behaviour beyond finances.


7. Guarantors

  • For tenants with low or unstable income, consider a guarantor.

  • Guarantors should undergo similar checks: identity, financial standing, and affordability


8. Affordability Assessment

  • Don't just rely on a credit check, assess whether the tenant can pay the rent alongside bills, loan repayments, and living costs.

  • This reduces the risk of arrears and increases the likelihood of a long-term tenancy.


9. Tenant Background Checks

  • Some landlords use background screening services for:

    • County Court Judgments (CCJs)

    • Bankruptcy checks

    • These are usually included in a credit check dependant on agency used


✅ Key Takeaways

  1. Always verify identity, proof of address and Right to Rent.

  2. Check source of income and employment to ensure rent affordability.

  3. Contact previous landlords for references.

  4. Consider a guarantor

  5. Keep records of all checks for compliance and future reference.

Following these checks helps landlords avoid problem tenants, reduce arrears, and comply with UK law, giving peace of mind throughout the tenancy.


MAS Lettings & Management

Property Management & Landlord Compliance Specialists📧 Email: rent@maslettings.co.uk📞 Phone: 07377 439 203

🌐 Website: maslettings.co.uk



 
 
bottom of page