Tenancy Referencing Checklist
Before you can move into a rented property, most landlords and agents require a referencing check. This includes a credit check, income verification, and proof of your right to rent in the UK. The exact documents depend on your employment type and nationality. Select your situation below to see a personalised list of what to prepare.
How to use this tool
- Select your employment type.
- Select your nationality or visa status.
- Your document checklist will appear below.
Understanding your results
The checklist covers what most landlords and referencing agencies require. Individual landlords may ask for additional documents. If you are unsure what a specific landlord requires, ask before preparing everything on the list. The credit check happens automatically — the landlord or agent runs it using a referencing service and you do not need to provide a credit report yourself.
Right to rent: what landlords must check
Landlords in England are legally required to check that their tenants have the right to rent in the UK under the Immigration Act 2014. For British and Irish citizens, a passport or birth certificate with a National Insurance number is sufficient. EU and EEA nationals with settled or pre-settled status must provide a UKVI share code. Landlords cannot require physical documents from EU nationals with digital immigration status — they must use the online checking service. Asking for a physical document when digital status exists is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. Right to rent checks do not apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.