Credit Checks for Renters: How Your Credit Score Affects Your Ability to Rent a Home?
22nd Apr 2025
Finding a rental property in the UK can be competitive, and landlords often conduct credit checks to assess potential tenants' financial reliability. If you're wondering how your credit score impacts your ability to rent, here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Landlords Run Credit Checks?
Landlords and letting agents perform credit checks to:
- Verify your identity – Confirming you are who you say you are.
- Check your financial history – Looking for missed payments, defaults, or CCJs (County Court Judgments).
- Assess affordability – Ensuring you can comfortably afford the rent.
A poor credit score doesn’t always mean automatic rejection, but it can make renting more difficult.
What Do Landlords Look For?
Landlords typically review:
- Your credit score – A higher score suggests better financial management.
- Payment history – Late payments or defaults raise red flags.
- Existing debt – High debt levels may indicate financial strain.
- Electoral roll registration – Not being registered can hurt your application.
Some landlords use tenant referencing services, which provide a detailed financial profile.
Can You Rent with Bad Credit?
Yes, but you may need to take extra steps, such as:
- Paying a larger deposit – Some landlords accept 6 months’ rent upfront.
- Providing a guarantor – A UK homeowner who agrees to cover rent if you default.
- Showing proof of income – Recent payslips or bank statements can reassure landlords.
- Explaining credit issues – If you have a valid reason (e.g., medical debt), transparency helps.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Renting
If your credit score is low, consider:
✔ Registering on the electoral roll – This verifies your address.
✔ Paying bills on time – Set up direct debits to avoid missed payments.
✔ Reducing debt – Lower credit card balances improve your score.
✔ Checking for errors – Dispute incorrect entries on your credit report.
What If You’re Refused Due to Bad Credit?
- Ask why – Landlords must explain rejections based on credit checks.
- Look for private landlords – They may be more flexible than agencies.
- Consider rent reporting services – Some services help build credit by reporting rent payments.
Conclusion
Your credit score plays a key role in renting a home, but a poor history doesn’t mean you’re automatically disqualified. By understanding what landlords look for and taking steps to improve your financial profile, you can boost your chances of securing a rental.
Need to check your credit score? Use UK services like Creditcheckonline.co.uk for a free report.
Don't risk missing
something important
Access a comprehensive credit report
that includes detailed data from TransUnion
View your credit score for only £1.95.
You can view it for 1 month, after which it will be £14.95 per month unless cancelled.
See How You Score
See How You Score
An Independent View Of Your Credit Score
Lenders typically use their own systems to calculate your Credit Score based on the information in your Credit Report, often checking with one or more Credit Reference Agencies. Your Credit Check Online Credit Score is derived from all the Credit Report information we gather from TransUnion, helping you understand how you might be assessed when applying for credit.
Understand What is Affecting Your Credit Score
Quickly see how the details in your Credit Report influence your Credit Check Online Credit Score, both positively and negatively. This clear overview helps you identify areas for improvement and better understand the factors that lenders consider when assessing your creditworthiness.
View your credit score for only £1.95.
You can view it for 1 month, after which it will be £14.95 per month unless cancelled.