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Put your rent to work for your credit history

Rent reporting helps make on-time rent payments visible in your credit file — turning a monthly commitment you already pay into credit history lenders can recognise.

Important: rent isn’t always counted by default. Where it appears — and whether it affects a score — depends on the credit agency and the scoring model. If rent is reported, missed payments can be a negative signal.

Browse by topic

Start with the question that matches your situation. Each page includes quick answers, practical next steps, and links to related topics.

Eligibility & setup questions

Do you need landlord permission for rent reporting?

Usually no. Learn when landlord permission matters, what information is used, and how rent reporting works for UK renters.

Eligibility & setup questions

Can you do rent reporting if you rent from a council or housing association?

Often yes. Learn what matters for verification, common payment patterns, and how to make your rent easier to detect and report.

Eligibility & setup questions

Rent reporting: does it work if you pay a letting agent (not the landlord)?

Usually yes. Learn how verification works when you pay a letting agent, what can break detection, and how to set yourself up for success.

Eligibility & setup questions

Can you do rent reporting if you pay rent to a housemate?

Paying a housemate can make rent harder to verify. Learn why, what you can do, and alternatives if your rent can’t be reliably detected.

Explainers (what it means)

Does paying rent affect your credit score in the UK?

Sometimes. Rent can affect your credit score when it’s reported and included in a scoring model. Here’s what that means, and how to make rent count.

Explainers (what it means)

Does paying rent build credit history in the UK?

It can, when your rent payment history is reported to credit agencies. Learn what “credit history” means and how rent reporting fits into it.

Explainers (what it means)

How to get your rent payments onto your credit report (UK)

Rent doesn’t always show by default. Learn the practical steps to make rent count toward your credit history, and what to check once reporting starts.

Explainers (what it means)

How long does rent reporting take to show on your credit file?

Rent reporting usually takes a few weeks to appear. Learn what to expect, what “normal delays” look like, and what to do if nothing shows up.

Outcome guides (what to do next)

Rent reporting and being mortgage-ready: how it can help renters

Mortgage lenders care about reliability and housing-cost affordability. Learn how rent reporting can strengthen your profile and what else to do alongside it.

Outcome guides (what to do next)

How to improve your credit score as a renter (without doing anything risky)

Renters can build credit without taking on new debt. Learn the safest steps: rent reporting, bills, utilisation, electoral roll, and avoiding common mistakes.

Outcome guides (what to do next)

New to the UK? How rent can help you build credit history

If you’re new to the UK, your credit file can be thin. Learn how rent reporting can help build history and what other steps to take alongside it.

Outcome guides (what to do next)

Thin credit file? Why rent reporting can be a high-leverage move for renters

A thin credit file means limited data for lenders. Learn how rent reporting can add positive payment history, and what else strengthens a thin file.

Prefer the short version?

If you’re busy, start with the “how to get rent onto your credit report” guide, then the “how long it takes” page. That covers setup + expectations end-to-end.

Want definitions as you read?

These glossary pages explain the core concepts behind rent reporting: rent reporting itself, your credit report, and why payment history is so important.

Put your rent to work

Learn how rent reporting works — then decide if it's right for you.

Put your rent to work

No credit check required. UK residents only. Terms apply.