Credit checks for renting: what landlords see

By Sam Kane · Last checked 9 October 2026 · Covers England only

A credit check for renting is a soft search that many landlords and letting agents run before they rent to you. It does not affect your credit score, and they must ask your permission first. They mainly look for court judgments, bankruptcy and whether your name and address check out. They do not see your credit score.

The renting rules in this guide are for England. The facts about credit files apply across the UK.

The short version

Do landlords do credit checks?

Many do, but not all. Experian says some landlords skip the check because they want to let the home quickly. Citizens Advice says letting agents usually check, and that it is less common for a private landlord who lets the home themselves.

A credit check is often one part of tenant referencing. Referencing also looks at your income, your identity and your past landlord. See tenant referencing explained.

What does a landlord see on a credit check?

A landlord’s check is narrower than the one a bank does when you apply for a loan. According to Experian’s and Equifax’s guides, a landlord usually sees:

Equifax and Citizens Advice say landlords usually cannot see your credit agreements, your credit limits or your repayment history with lenders.

Landlords do not see your credit score, and there is no minimum score to rent. Our guide to what credit score you need to rent explains what they look at instead.

Does a credit check for renting affect your credit score?

No. Landlords and agents use a soft search. A soft search does not affect your credit score, so you do not need to worry about applying for more than one home.

Do they need my permission?

Yes. A landlord or agent must ask before they check your credit. You can say no, but they may then decide not to rent to you.

Can a landlord charge me for a credit check?

No. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, a landlord or letting agent in England can only charge you for the payments the law allows, such as rent, a capped tenancy deposit and a capped holding deposit. Credit checks and referencing are not on that list. If someone asks you to pay for them, tell them the fee is not allowed and get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.

Why do people fail a rental credit check?

Shelter lists the most common reasons:

A “thin” credit file, which means a file with very little on it, can also make an agent unsure. This is common for young people, students and people new to the UK.

What happens if you fail a credit check?

You are not always turned down. You can:

  1. Ask why. Ask the landlord or agent which part of the check was the problem.
  2. Offer a guarantor. A guarantor agrees to pay your rent if you do not. See rent guarantors.
  3. Show proof you can pay. Payslips, an employment contract, bank statements or savings can help.
  4. Offer rent in advance. In England, a landlord can accept up to 1 month’s rent in advance, but no more.
  5. Look for landlords who do fewer checks. Shelter says landlords who let homes themselves, rather than through an agent, often check less.

Will I lose my holding deposit?

Usually not. Shelter says the landlord or agent must normally give your holding deposit back if you fail a credit or reference check, as long as the information you gave them was true. So be honest from the start. Our holding deposit guide explains the rules.

Our guide to renting with bad credit covers more options.

How to get ready for a credit check

  1. Register to vote at your current address. Agencies use the electoral register to confirm who you are.
  2. Check your own credit file before you apply. Every agency must give you your statutory report for free. Fix any mistakes.
  3. Tell the agent early if you know something will show up, such as a CCJ.
  4. Have your documents ready: ID, payslips or proof of income, and your current landlord’s details, and check the rent is affordable with our guide to how much rent you can afford.

Once you have a home, your rent can also count on your own credit file. Report My Rent adds your rent payments to your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion credit files each month, where lenders can see them, for example when you apply for a mortgage. See how Report My Rent works, or read rent and your credit file.

Common questions

Do all landlords credit check tenants?

No. Most letting agents do. Some private landlords who let homes themselves do not.

Does a rental credit check leave a mark on my file?

It can show on your own copy of your file as a soft search, but it does not affect your score.

Can I rent with a CCJ?

Often, yes, but it can be harder. A guarantor or proof of steady income may help. A CCJ paid in full within one month of the judgment is removed from the register.

Can I see what a landlord will see?

Yes. Get your statutory credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. It shows the public records and address history a landlord’s check looks at.

How long does a rental credit check take?

The check itself is quick. The full referencing process takes longer, because the agent also waits for references. Ask the agent how long it usually takes.

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

You already do the hard part.

You pay your rent every month. From now on, your credit file can show it.

a month