Get tenancy ready
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Before you start viewing properties or contacting landlords, it's important to make sure you are 'tenancy ready'.
Being tenancy ready means having everything in place to show landlords that you are a reliable tenant and to avoid delays once you find a suitable home.
You are tenancy ready if you:
- understand your financial situation and know how much rent you can afford
- have key documents ready to share with landlords or letting agents
- know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
- are able to act quickly when a suitable property becomes available
What you will need
Proof of identity and right to rent
By law, landlords must check that you have the legal right to rent in the UK. You may be asked to provide:
- a passport or driving licence
- immigration documents (if applicable)
Proof of income
Landlords will usually want to see evidence that you can afford the rent, such as:
- recent payslips or benefit award letters (for example, Universal Credit)
- bank statements (usually the last 3 months)
- an employment contract if you have recently started a new job
References
You may be asked for:
- a reference from your current or previous landlord confirming that you paid rent on time and looked after the property, or
- a character reference if you have not rented before
Guarantor details (if required)
Some landlords may ask for a guarantor. This is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you are unable to.
A guarantor will usually need to provide:
- proof of ID
- proof of income
- permission for credit checks
- reference check
Deposit and first month's rent
You will usually be asked to pay:
- a tenancy deposit (normally the equivalent of 5 weeks' rent)
- the first month's rent in advance
If you are struggling to cover these costs, you may be able to access support via the links below:
Getting ready financially
Before attending viewings, we recommend that you take the following steps to make sure you are financially prepared:
Create a financial plan
Look carefully at your income and outgoing costs. Think about what rent you can realistically afford once you have allowed for:
- utility bills
- Council Tax
- food, transport and other living costs
- emergency expenses
If you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, make sure you understand how much Local Housing Allowance you are entitled to.
Know your credit score
Some landlords and letting agents carry out credit checks. Knowing your credit score in advance can help you prepare and explain your circumstances if needed.
Open a bank account
You will need a bank account to pay rent and to receive any income, such as:
- wages
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit or other benefits
Build your case as a good tenant
You can improve your chances of securing a property by:
- being polite and responsive in all communication
- dressing appropriately for viewings
- clearly explaining your needs while showing some flexibility
- having all your paperwork ready to provide quickly
If you are claiming benefits
Some landlords and letting agents may not fully understand how benefits work. It can help to explain that:
- your rent will be covered by the housing element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
- in some cases, rent can be paid directly to the landlord
- you have access to budgeting support if needed (for example through Citizens Advice)
- you are working with the council or a support agency, if applicable
Clear, confident explanations can help reassure landlords.
Extra support
If you are struggling to become tenancy ready, our team may be able to support you.
Please contact our Housing Options Team to find out more about the help available.
If you are on the Housing Register
If you are currently on the housing register, moving into suitable private rented accommodation may result in your housing application being closed.
If you are unsure how this may affect you, please speak to the Housing Options Team before accepting a tenancy.
