Government rejects Labour MP’s call for landlords to be required to provide tenant references
6 months ago | 20 comments
Tenant referencing under the Renters’ Rights Act?
12:00 AM, 17th February 2026, 2 months ago
16
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Given the Renters’ Rights Act becoming statute on the 1st May 26, I’m interested to ask how landlords will be referencing their prospective tenants, please?
Personally, I will be asking for at least 10 months’ bank statements, National Insurance (NI) number, previous landlord’s reference (cross-checked the landlord’s name and address on HMLR title register (£3.00) fee.
Carrying out a bankruptcy check (on The Gazette FOC) full credit report, employees’ reference, wage slips (showing attachment to earning order, if any).
Then, using my insurance company as a reference for RGI insurance and ensuring that every new tenancy has a guarantor in place ( who will be referenced in the same way as a prospective tenant will be, I am ICO registered.
What are other landlords’ thoughts?
Thanks,
Kay
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Previous Article
Council turns to private landlords to house benefit tenants
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1173
6:37 AM, 18th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Landlords have to be careful with some of this or they may fall foul of the Tenant Fees Act. Anything requiring the tenant to create an account with a company or sign up to something is likely prohibited.
Member Since February 2026 - Comments: 4
9:28 AM, 18th February 2026, About 2 months ago
There are no provisions in the Renters’ Rights Act that forbid a tenant from creating an account for housing-related purposes.
Member Since March 2016 - Comments: 50
10:38 AM, 21st February 2026, About 2 months ago
While the majority of tenants are normal, over the years there will be one that is not normal but weird, aggressive and plain crazy. It’s statistics. You don’t want that one “to know where ypu live*. Tenats are not in the same position as landlords at all in this. It won’t be long in this insane country before landlords have to wear a patch in the form of a star on their clothes. I absolutely do not want my details to be public, other than my company or office address. I don’t want my personal mobile number or email out there either, too much aggressive marketing as it is !
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1173
5:42 PM, 21st February 2026, About 2 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Kay Shaw at 18/02/2026 – 09:28
Its not RRA, its the Tenant Fees Act, s1(3).
Member Since July 2024 - Comments: 112
11:38 AM, 22nd February 2026, About 2 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Kay Shaw at 17/02/2026 – 10:28
I have a Guarantor on a tenant who skipped off and didnt pay – she’s fobbed me off – I’ve done an address trace on her. Question is how to get the Guarantor to pay – still have to do a MCOL – any suggestions?
Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 25
1:03 AM, 24th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Accommodation Provider at 21/02/2026 – 10:38
The office problem is either use your accountant. Client confidentiality will protect you.
Be careful if you have a limited company of more than 10 years standing. If you have not moved in that time, your home address is available 24/7.
Have a lock up office address which is business hours only.
A mobile specifically for tenants. They are less than £10 a month.
The rogue tenants database will be ignored by politicians, more votes in tenants than landlords.