Referencing
The Townhouse referencing process
Guidance on how we reference new applications
How We Reference Tenants
Our referencing process under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
We use the same fair, objective referencing process for every applicant. The checks below help us confirm that an applicant has the right to rent in the UK, can afford the rent, and has a positive renting history. We document every decision against these criteria so that we can show our process is consistent and fair.
What we ask for
1. Current passport — to verify your identity.
2. Proof of income — three months of payslips, or current benefit award details. We assess employment income and benefits income on the same terms.
3. Three months of bank statements — to confirm your income and run our affordability check (minimum 3× monthly rent; some landlords require up to 4×).
4. Proof of current address — a recent household bill, council tax bill, or bank statement.
5. Right to Rent evidence — a valid UK passport, or a Right to Rent share code from the UK Government website if you are a non-UK national. This is a legal requirement under the Immigration Act 2014.
6. Current landlord's contact details — so we can request a written reference where applicable.
7. Credit check (coming soon) — we check for CCJs, IVAs, bankruptcies, rental arrears and other adverse credit. Concerns here may trigger the guarantor requirement at item 8 — not automatic refusal.
8. Guarantor (if needed) — depending on the outcome of the above, we may ask for a UK-based guarantor before we can offer a tenancy.
How we make decisions
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The same checks apply to every applicant.
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Affordability is based on a minimum income equivalent to 3× the monthly rent (some landlords require up to 4×).
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Income source neutral — employment, self-employment, benefits and pensions are all assessed equally.
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Every decision is documented against the criteria above.
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If we are unable to offer a tenancy, we inform you.
Equality and fair access
We do not refuse tenants on the basis of receiving benefits, having children, nationality, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, age, or pregnancy and maternity. The criteria set out above apply equally to every applicant. We comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the fair-access requirements of the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
Questions? WhatsApp 01782 971961 | We're happy to walk you through the process before you apply.