How long does tenant referencing take?

As a prospective tenant, you might be wondering how long tenant referencing takes when you’re applying for a rental property. The answer to this question isn’t always straightforward, as it can depend on several factors.

Here, we’ll explore how long tenant referencing generally takes and what you can do to speed up the process.

Tenant referencing in the UK used to take anywhere from 3-10 days to complete. However, thanks to our ground-breaking tenant referencing solution, VISTA, over 70% of tenant reference applications can now be completed in real-time. If your letting agent uses VISTA, you should hear back fairly quickly.

However, even with the latest technology, the process can be delayed by human error on your part.

For instance, if you fail to provide all the necessary information, or if you have a poor credit history that requires further investigation. It can also take longer if you’re one of several tenants applying for the same property.

To ensure that the tenant referencing process runs smoothly and quickly, it’s essential to provide all the necessary information upfront and to respond quickly to any requests for additional information.

You should also ensure that your credit history is accurate and up to date, as this can speed up the process significantly.

Both parties need to maintain open communication throughout the tenant referencing process.

You should inform the landlord about any potential delays or issues they may encounter during the referencing process, and, vice versa, they should provide updates on the progress of your application.

Proactive communication can help to mitigate the impact of any delays and foster a more cooperative landlord-tenant relationship.

Delays in the tenant referencing process can have several implications for you and your prospective landlord:

Delayed move-in dates

If the referencing process takes longer than anticipated, your timeline for moving into the property may be affected. This can be especially inconvenient if you’ve planned your relocation around a specific date.

Extended vacancy period

For landlords, delays in tenant referencing can result in an extended vacancy period for the property. This means a longer period without rental income, potentially impacting their financial planning.

Increased stress and uncertainty

Delays can cause stress and uncertainty for you and the landlord. You could face challenges coordinating your move, while the landlord might be concerned about potential gaps in their rental income.

Reassessment of terms

Landlords may reassess the terms of the tenancy agreement, such as the move-in date, rental amount, or security deposit, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding any delay.

Potential loss of other opportunities

If you’re waiting for the outcome of the referencing process, delays can lead to missed opportunities for securing alternative accommodation options. This can be particularly frustrating in today’s competitive rental market.

Preparing certain documents in advance can significantly expedite the tenant referencing process.

By proactively gathering these documents and having them readily available, you can streamline the tenant referencing process and present yourself as a well-prepared, responsible tenant who is committed to a smooth rental transaction.

Here's a list of key documents you should gather:

Proof of identity

Provide a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driver's licence, to confirm your identity.

Proof of residence

Submit documents like utility bills or a recent bank statement with your current address to verify your residency.

Employment details

Have information about your current employment, including recent pay slips or an employment contract. This helps confirm your ability to pay rent.

Previous landlord references

Obtain references from previous landlords to showcase your rental history. Include contact details for quick verification.

Character references

Provide character references if requested. These can be from colleagues, friends, or others who can vouch for your reliability as a tenant.

Bank statements

Submit recent bank statements to demonstrate your financial stability. This helps landlords assess your ability to cover rent and living expenses.

Credit report

While landlords often obtain this themselves, having a copy of your credit report can be useful. It allows you to address any potential issues beforehand.

Guarantor information

If you have a guarantor, gather their contact details and relevant documents. Guarantors typically need to show proof of income and may undergo referencing as well.

It’s entirely appropriate to enquire about the status of your tenant referencing application during the process. As we mentioned, it’s good practice to maintain open communication with the landlord or letting agency.

Here are a few tips on how to approach the enquiry:

Wait for a reasonable time

Give the process some time before enquiring. Tenant referencing can take several days, so it's advisable to wait until the expected timeframe has passed at the very least.

Be polite and respectful

When enquiring about the status of your tenant reference, be polite and respectful. A courteous enquiry demonstrates professionalism and a genuine interest in the property.>

Ask for an estimated timeline

Politely request an estimated timeline for when you can expect a decision. This helps manage your expectations and shows that you understand the process may take some time.

Offer additional information

If there are any delays or if you think providing additional information might help the process, offer to supply any necessary documents or references promptly.

Use email or written communication

If possible, make your enquiry in writing, such as through email. This allows for a clear record of your communication and ensures that your message is received and understood.

The tenant referencing process can take anywhere from three to ten days, although HomeLet’s VISTA tenant referencing solution offers an unrivalled turnaround, with 70% of references completed in real-time.

To ensure the fastest possible referencing completion, ensure you provide all of the necessary information upfront and respond quickly to any requests.

Understanding the tenant referencing process and what it involves can also help you be better prepared when applying for a rental property.

Remember that landlords and letting agencies understand that tenants are eager to know the outcome of the referencing process, so feel free to ask how things are going.

As long as your enquiry is made with respect and consideration, it’s a perfectly reasonable step in the rental application process. Good luck!

If your letting agent is one of the many out there that uses HomeLet’s trusted tenant referencing services, you can monitor the progress of your application using our Tenant Application Tracker.

In the meantime, have you considered Tenants Contents Insurance or Tenants Liability Insurance? Get a quote in minutes here at HomeLet!