Rent and Credit > What to Do If You Have No Rental References

What to Do If You Have No Rental References

Wollit Team2 minute read · Updated 27th August 2025

Renting in the UK without references isn't impossible. Thousands of people find homes every year despite lacking traditional landlord references. Whether you're new to the country, a first-time renter, or haven't rented recently, we understand your situation and there are practical solutions.

Landlords want references to check you'll pay rent on time and look after their property. Without these, you need to prove you're trustworthy in different ways.

Alternative References That Work

Professional References Your employer can write a letter confirming your job, salary, and how long you've worked there. Self-employed? Ask your accountant or regular clients to write character references.

Character References Teachers, doctors, or community leaders who've known you for years can tell landlords you're trustworthy. These work well for students and recent graduates.

Previous Living References

University halls or family you've lived with
Flatmates from house shares
Any accommodation where you were reliable

Strengthen Your Application

Financial Proof Show bank statements for 3-6 months with regular income. Include payslips and evidence of your savings.

Here's what this means: when you don't have rental references, proof of income becomes essential. Multiple payslips help landlords see you handle money well and can afford the rent.

Get a Guarantor A guarantor promises to pay if you can't. Family members or friends with good credit work well. Many landlords actually prefer guarantors over references because they offer stronger protection.

Offer More Security

Rent Paid in Advance If you have the savings, offering to pay a few months' rent upfront can make a huge difference. This gives the landlord financial security and shows you're serious about the property.

Rental Insurance Consider taking out insurance that covers unpaid rent or property damage. This protects the landlord if something goes wrong, which can be a strong selling point for your application.

Target the Right Properties

Flexible Landlords Private landlords often work with you more than big agencies. Student accommodation providers expect limited rental history. Some newer platforms use different checks instead of traditional references.

Best Property Types

Short-term lets to build history
Properties that have been on the market longer
Student or young professional developments
Areas with high tenant turnover

Build Credit for Future Rentals

Your rental journey doesn't end with finding one property. Building credit helps with future applications and proves that you handle money responsibly.

Most renters don't know their monthly rent can boost their credit score. Wollit turn’s these payments into credit history. This shows future landlords you consistently pay large amounts on time.

Here's what this means for you: instead of relying on character references, you'll have concrete proof that you're reliable with money. Over time, this becomes even stronger evidence than traditional references.

What You Need Ready

Right to Rent All landlords must check you can legally rent in the UK. Have your passport, visa, or qualifying documents ready.

Application Essentials

Photo ID and proof of income
Bank statements and reference letters
Written explanation of your situation
All documents organised in one folder

What to Avoid

Never fake references - landlords check these
Avoid cash-only deals or unusual payment methods
Don't pay large sums before seeing the property
Avoid anything without a proper tenancy agreement

The Reality Check

We understand that securing your first rental property is the hardest step. Once you've rented successfully, future applications become much easier.

Remember, landlords want good tenants more than perfect references. Show them you're reliable and financially stable, and most will work with you.

Building your credit while renting gives you even stronger applications in future - and opens doors to better mortgage deals when you're ready to buy.