What Really Happens During Tenant Referencing and Why Applications Don’t Always Pass

Welcome to this episode of The All Things Property Podcast, where the conversation focused on the all-important subject of tenant referencing. The discussion explored what referencing actually involves, looking closely at how suitability for a tenancy is assessed beyond just ticking boxes. Several points were raised, including affordability calculations, credit history checks, the value and reliability of landlord references, and the nuances for self-employed applicants. A key theme that emerged was the balance between thoroughness and speed in the referencing process, as well as the evolving role of technology and data protection. The episode also considered how landlord caution is increasing in response to changing legislation and whether current referencing practices are robust enough to meet the challenges of the modern rental market.

Chapters

00:00 Tenant reference checks explained

03:36 Understanding Tenant Credit Checks

06:51 Addressing undisclosed credit issues

09:55 Choosing the right referencing company

15:34 Landlords verifying tenant information

17:28 Wrapping up the episode