What references do landlords need UK?
National Insurance number – this proves the tenant is legitimately working in the UK. Proof of address – to check current and previous addresses, ask the tenant to provide their last three months’ utility bills; gas, electric or water (not mobile bill). Bank statements – Ask for the last three months’ bank statements.
How do I write a rental reference for a tenant?
While it is dependent on certain situations, commonly a rental reference letter should aim to include the following;
- Your tenancy information, i.e. your name, current address, phone number, dates of occupancy when applicable, rental history, etc.
- Condition of prior rental properties, both before you moved in and after.
Does a landlord have to give a tenant a reference?
So, is it illegal for a landlord to not provide a reference? No, landlords have no legal obligation to provide tenants with a reference. However, if landlords choose to provide a reference, it must be truthful as any misleading information could have legal implications.
How do you write a tenant reference UK?
I am writing to confirm that [tenant’s name] has rented property at [address] from me since [start date]. [Tenant’s name] has been an excellent tenant. Over the past [number of years], they have paid their rent on time each month.
What references do landlords want?
If you paid rent on time in the past, show them your tenancy agreement and rent book or bank statements to prove this. You could also ask for a ‘character reference’ – a letter from an employer or someone who knows you well, to show that you’re reliable.
What does a landlord reference include?
Describe your relationship – Include any relevant information such as how long your tenants have rented from you and any personal connection you may have to them. Other landlords want to be assured that you’ve known your tenants for a sufficiently long period of time.
What should a landlord reference say?
What should you include in a landlord reference letter?
- The date the letter was written.
- Your name, address and email or phone number.
- The recipient’s name (or a generic greeting)
- The address of the property the tenant rented.
- The dates of the tenancy.
- Any lease violations, such as late rent payments.
What does a good tenant reference look like?
There have been no complaints from neighbours, and the tenants have kept the property and its surrounding area clean and tidy. I can confirm that the tenants were respectful, friendly and helpful. They made no unreasonable demands or complaints during their tenancy.
What if my landlord won’t give me a reference?
If your landlord refuses to provide a reference, there are a few simple solutions you can try; speak with your letting agent, ask a previous landlord for a reference, ask for a character reference, collate proof of rent payment, or explain the situation to your new landlord, if they seem reasonable.
What should a landlord reference include?
The letter does not need to be elaborate. Instead, you should explain whether the tenant was timely with rent payments, kept the property in good condition, and was respectful of others. If the tenant was bad, you should seriously consider not writing a reference letter.
Can a landlord refuse to give a reference UK?
Many landlords have heard rumors that they can’t give tenants a bad reference. This is not true, and if there are definite, verifiable facts that pertain to a particular tenant, you have a responsibility to let other prospective landlords know.
What references to ask tenants for?
Most landlords will ask a tenant for references….Employer’s reference
- What is their salary?
- How long have they been with the company?
- Is their position full time or part time?
- Would you describe their position as permanent or temporary?
What is a tenant reference and how does it work?
What is a tenant reference? Tenant referencing is a landlord’s way of finding out information about a prospective tenant. A tenant reference involves a number of checks and verifications to help landlords decide whether a tenant is suitable for their property.
Why choose NRLA’s full tenant referencing?
NRLA’s Full Tenant Referencing service offers speed, accuracy and attention to detail. Each application is manually assessed by trained personnel and we do not use automated approval systems. If you prefer to obtain your own references our Basic Check gives you instant credit check results enabling you to make fast and informed letting decisions.
How much does a tenant reference check cost UK?
If you self-manage, you can pay a small up-front fee of between £10 and £50 for a referencing company to complete the check. Since 2019, as a result of the Tenant Fees Act, landlords in England have been unable to charge tenants for referencing checks.
Why do landlords ask previous landlords for references?
Previous landlord reference If the tenant has previously lived in rental properties, references from their previous landlords can be invaluable when it comes to deciding whether you want to offer them a tenancy. It’s also a good opportunity to identity any gaps in the applicant’s rental history or in the landlord contact details they provide.