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Tenant Referencing in the UK: Pass Even With No Credit History

What landlords check (income, credit, references) and the exact pack + scripts to pass referencing as an IMG doctor.

Review date
Feb 2026
Reading time
12 min read
Author
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP
On this page
IMG pathwayThis guide is updated for 2026 regulations (UK/US/Aus/Can). Always verify with official bodies.

Key points

  • Referencing is a risk-check: identity + Right to Rent + affordability + past behaviour (references) + sometimes a credit file search.
  • If you are new to the UK, you may not show on a soft credit search (e.g., not on the electoral roll). That is common—and fixable with a stronger evidence pack.
  • Your goal is to make the agent’s “yes” easy: one PDF, clean file naming, and a two-line summary of your employment and affordability.

What most agents check (in plain English)

Most referencing is predictable. They check: (1) you are a real person, (2) you are allowed to rent, (3) you can pay the rent, and (4) you have not been a “problem tenant.” The mistake is sending random screenshots across WhatsApp. Treat it like a mini due diligence pack.

Important detail: fees

In England, landlords/agents cannot charge you for credit checks or other referencing checks. If someone asks for “referencing fees,” pause and verify what you are being asked for.

How to pass referencing when you are new to the UK

1

1) Lead with affordability (do the maths for them)

Write one line: “Annual salary: £X; rent: £Y/month; affordability ratio: Y×12 ÷ X.” Agents want a quick yes/no.
2

2) Use an employer letter (NHS Trust letters are powerful)

A signed offer letter/contract confirming role, start date, and salary often substitutes for “history.” Add HR contact details.
3

3) Provide bank statements that show stability

If you have recent salary credits, highlight them. If you are newly arrived, provide proof of savings (statement screenshot + PDF export where possible).
4

4) References: choose speed over prestige

A prior landlord who replies in 2 hours beats a “famous” consultant who replies in 2 weeks. Provide correct email + phone.
5

5) If credit checks fail: ask why (politely) and offer an alternative pack

If you “fail” a credit check, request the reason and offer stronger evidence: employer letter + savings + guarantor (if you have one).

The “Referencing Pack” (agent-ready)

  • Right to Rent (share code or eligible documents).
  • Passport bio page.
  • Employment: offer letter/contract + HR contact.
  • Affordability: payslips (or proof of savings).
  • Bank statements (1–3 months) showing ability to pay.
  • References: previous landlord, employer, optional character reference.
  • Short cover note: who you are, move-in date, tenancy length, who will live there.

Copy-paste message: referencing follow-up

Hi [Name] — just checking if anything is outstanding for referencing. I’ve attached a single “Referencing Pack” PDF (Right to Rent + ID + contract + affordability evidence). If any item needs to be in a different format, tell me what you need and I’ll resend within the hour. Thanks — Dr [Name].

Official Sources

Shelter England — How landlords and letting agents check tenants
Shelter England — Credit checks (private renting)
Citizens Advice — Information landlords ask for
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  • Write one line: “Annual salary: £X; rent: £Y/month; affordability ratio: Y×12 ÷ X.” Agents want a quick yes/no.

    Return to this section

  • A signed offer letter/contract confirming role, start date, and salary often substitutes for “history.” Add HR contact details.

    Return to this section

  • If you have recent salary credits, highlight them. If you are newly arrived, provide proof of savings (statement screenshot + PDF export where possible).

    Return to this section

  • A prior landlord who replies in 2 hours beats a “famous” consultant who replies in 2 weeks. Provide correct email + phone.

    Return to this section

  • If you “fail” a credit check, request the reason and offer stronger evidence: employer letter + savings + guarantor (if you have one).

    Return to this section
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  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section
  • Return to this section
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United Kingdom · Settling in · Article 9 of 9