Which UK credit agencies does rent reporting go to?
Rent reporting is not identical across the UK’s credit reference agencies.
Different agencies accept different kinds of data, and lenders also vary in how they interpret and use that data. The safest approach is to be clear about where your rent is being reported and what that means for your credit history.
Key takeaways
- The UK has three main credit agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
- “Rent reporting” can mean different things depending on the agency and data source.
- Wollit reports rent to Experian and Equifax (not TransUnion).
- Even when rent is reported, score impact depends on the scoring model and lender.
The three agencies (and why your score differs)
In the UK, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion each maintain their own credit report and scoring model. That’s why you can have different scores in different places.
What matters for rent reporting is: which agency receives the rent data, and which agency your future lender checks.
What “rent reporting” can include
At a high level, rent reporting adds a record that you pay your housing costs on time. Some systems report an ongoing “rental payment history” line, similar to how other recurring commitments show up.
But rent reporting isn’t one universal standard. The details — and how they appear in your file — can differ. This is why it’s important to choose a service that states clearly which agencies it reports to.
A practical way to use this information
If you’re building credit, think in “coverage”. The more of your positive financial behaviour that is visible in a credit file, the easier it is for lenders to assess you.
Rent reporting can be one layer. Combine it with other layers renters control (electoral roll, on-time bills, healthy utilisation) so your progress doesn’t rely on a single factor.
FAQs
Does rent reporting go to all three agencies?
Not always. It depends on the rent reporting provider and the agency. Wollit reports rent to Experian and Equifax (not TransUnion).
If my rent is reported, will my score definitely rise?
No. Reporting adds data to your credit history, which can help, but scoring differs by agency and results vary by individual profile.
Which agency should I care about most?
The one your future lender uses. If you’re not sure, it’s worth understanding all three, because different lenders check different agencies.
Related topics
What to read next
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.
Do you need to change how you pay rent to start rent reporting?
Often no. Learn which payment methods are easiest to verify, what can break detection, and small changes that improve success.
Put your rent to work
Learn how rent reporting works — then decide if it's right for you.
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