How to Get a Tenant Reference

What is a tenant reference and why do landlords want one?

A tenant reference is a statement from someone who can vouch for you as a reliable tenant. In most cases, this means your previous landlord confirming that you paid rent on time, looked after the property, didn't cause problems for neighbours, gave proper notice when you left, and there were no disputes or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Referencing companies like Homelet, Goodlord, and Rightmove Referencing typically contact your previous landlord directly by email or phone. They ask a standard set of questions and the whole thing usually takes five to ten minutes on the landlord's end.

Landlords want this because it's the closest thing they have to a track record. A credit check tells them about your financial history; a landlord reference tells them what you were actually like to live with. However, it's important to know that a landlord reference is not a legal requirement. There's no law requiring tenants to provide one. It's standard practice, but landlords can and do waive it when tenants demonstrate reliability in other ways.

Types of references landlords accept

While a previous landlord reference is the gold standard, it's not the only option. A letting agent reference works if your previous tenancy was managed by an agent — agents tend to respond faster and are more familiar with the process.

An employer reference confirms your job title, salary, and length of employment. While it doesn't directly speak to your tenancy behaviour, it demonstrates stability and the ability to pay rent. For first-time renters, this is often the strongest reference available.

A professional character reference from an accountant, solicitor, teacher, or doctor carries weight because the person's professional reputation is tied to their statement. A personal character reference from a friend, colleague, or family friend is the weakest form but is better than nothing — choose someone with a stable position who can write articulately about your character.

Bank statements showing six to twelve months of regular, on-time rent payments are not technically a reference, but they're powerful evidence. If you've been paying rent but can't get a formal reference, this is your best backup. Landlords are increasingly accepting bank statements as alternative proof of reliable tenancy.

What if you've never rented before?

If you're renting for the first time — whether you're a university graduate, moving out of your parents' home, or new to the UK — you genuinely don't have a previous landlord to reference. Here's what works for first-time renters.

Lead with your employer reference. A stable job with a decent salary, typically at least 2.5 times the monthly rent as annual salary, is the strongest signal you can send. Offer a guarantor — for first-time renters, this is the most commonly accepted alternative. Most landlords will accept a UK-based guarantor who earns at least 2.5 times the annual rent.

Build a credit history before you apply. If you've never borrowed, your credit file may be thin, which referencing agencies flag as a risk. Using a credit builder like Wollit for a few months before you apply creates positive payment history.

Consider houseshares as a first step. SpareRoom and similar platforms often have more relaxed referencing for room rentals. Building up a few months of rent payment history in a houseshare gives you a track record for your next move.

Note that university halls of residence don't typically count as a landlord reference. Most referencing companies won't accept university accommodation services as a previous landlord, though some will accept a reference from a private student landlord.

What if your previous landlord won't respond?

This is surprisingly common. Landlords are under no legal obligation to provide a reference, and many simply don't respond to referencing emails — especially if they've sold the property, moved overseas, or are simply disorganised.

Contact them directly first, before the referencing company reaches out. Message or call your previous landlord and explain that a referencing company will contact them. Sometimes a personal nudge is all it takes.

Provide the letting agent's details instead if the property was managed by an agent. Show bank statements proving you paid rent to the previous landlord, even if they won't confirm it themselves.

Explain the situation to your new landlord. Most understand that previous landlords sometimes don't respond. If you can show evidence of the tenancy — your tenancy agreement, deposit protection certificate, and bank statements — many will accept this alongside a character reference.

Under UK law, a previous landlord must give an honest reference if they choose to give one at all. They can't give a bad reference out of spite or include misleading information. If you suspect a previous landlord is giving you an unfair reference, Citizens Advice can provide guidance on your options.

How to ask for a character reference

If you need to ask someone for a character reference, choose carefully. Professional contacts such as an employer, accountant, or doctor carry more weight than personal ones. Choose someone who's known you for at least a year and avoid close family members, as referencing companies typically won't accept them.

When you approach them, explain that a referencing company will contact them and that it usually only takes five to ten minutes. Let them know the kinds of things they'll be asked about: how long they've known you, whether they'd consider you trustworthy and reliable, and whether they'd recommend you as a tenant.

Give your referee a heads-up about when to expect the contact. Referencing companies often send emails with tight deadlines, and many references are delayed simply because the referee didn't see the email in time. A personal message beforehand prevents this.

Provide your referee's full contact details to the referencing company: name, email address, phone number, and their relationship to you. The easier you make it for the referencing company to reach them, the faster the process goes.

Building a rental track record from scratch

If you're starting with no rental history at all, think strategically about building one. A houseshare through SpareRoom or a similar platform is often the easiest first step — room rentals typically have lighter referencing requirements, and after six to twelve months you'll have a track record and a landlord who can provide a reference.

While you're in your first tenancy, pay rent by bank transfer (not cash) so you have a clear paper trail. Report your rent payments to a credit reference agency through a service like Wollit to start building positive credit history simultaneously.

Keep your tenancy agreement, deposit protection certificate, and any correspondence with your landlord. These documents serve as evidence of your tenancy even if the landlord later becomes uncontactable.

If you're new to the UK, your employer's relocation support may include acting as a guarantor or providing enhanced references. Ask your HR department what support is available — many employers on sponsored visa routes offer this as standard, as noted by GOV.UK's guidance on employer responsibilities.

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