
Do You Need a Good Credit Score to Rent
Find out if you need a good credit score to rent a property in the UK and how to improve your chances of approval even with bad or limited credit
Do You Need a Good Credit Score to Rent
Renting a property is a major step, whether you're moving out for the first time, relocating for work, or starting over in a new city. As part of the rental process, landlords or letting agents often carry out credit checks. This raises an important question: do you need a good credit score to rent a property in the UK?
The short answer is you do not need a perfect credit score to rent, but having a good credit history improves your chances of being accepted, especially in competitive areas. A poor credit score or negative entries on your report may not stop you from renting, but they can make the process more difficult.
In this article, we’ll explain how credit checks work when renting, what landlords are looking for, and how you can rent successfully even if your credit score is less than ideal.
Do Landlords Check Your Credit Score
Most letting agents and private landlords carry out some form of credit check before renting out a property. This is usually done through a referencing company and includes:
A soft credit search (does not affect your score)
A review of your credit history for negative records
A look at your current and past financial behaviour
An affordability check based on your income
The credit report helps landlords assess whether you're likely to pay rent on time. They are mainly checking for:
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
Insolvency records such as IVAs or bankruptcy
Recent defaults on loans or bills
Consistent payment history
Your exact credit score number is often not shared with the landlord, but your overall financial behaviour is reviewed.
What Is a Good Credit Score for Renting
There is no official minimum credit score required to rent a property, but the stronger your credit profile, the more likely you are to be approved without conditions.
As a rough guide:
Excellent or Good credit score: Higher chance of being accepted, possibly with no guarantor or deposit conditions
Fair credit score: May still be accepted but might require extra checks or a guarantor
Poor or Very Poor score: May be refused or asked for a larger deposit, rent in advance or a guarantor
Each landlord or agent has their own criteria, so two people with the same score may have different experiences depending on the property and the person assessing the application.
Can You Rent with Bad Credit
Yes, you can rent with bad credit, but you may face additional requirements. Common solutions include:
1. Providing a guarantor
This is someone with a good credit history who agrees to cover the rent if you are unable to pay. Many landlords accept this as a safeguard.
2. Paying rent in advance
You may be asked to pay three to six months upfront to reassure the landlord of your reliability.
3. Renting from a private landlord
Private landlords may be more flexible than letting agencies, especially if you have references or proof of stable income.
4. Using a rent guarantor service
These are third-party companies that act as your guarantor in exchange for a fee.
5. Providing strong references
A reference from a previous landlord confirming that you paid rent on time can outweigh a weak credit score.
Real-World Example
Anna had a fair credit score and no recent defaults, but she was self-employed. Her letting agent requested a guarantor as additional security. With her mother as guarantor and a letter from her accountant confirming her income, she was approved and moved into her new flat.
Ben had a poor credit score due to a default two years ago. He was upfront with the landlord, provided six months’ rent in advance and showed payslips from his full-time job. The landlord agreed, and Ben successfully rented the property.
What If You Have No Credit History
Having no credit history is common for young adults, international students or people who have never borrowed money in the UK. This does not mean your application will be rejected, but you may be asked for:
A guarantor
Additional rent in advance
Proof of income or savings
A reference from an employer or previous landlord
You can also start building your credit by registering on the electoral roll, opening a basic credit card or setting up utility bills in your name.
How to Strengthen Your Rental Application
If you’re worried about your credit score, you can improve your chances by:
Being transparent with the landlord about your situation
Offering to provide extra documentation such as payslips, bank statements or proof of employment
Showing a consistent track record of paying bills
Getting a guarantor ready in advance
Starting your credit-building journey early if you plan to move in the near future
Final Thought
You do not need a perfect credit score to rent in the UK, but having a clean and reliable credit history can make the process easier. If your credit score is poor or limited, there are still plenty of ways to rent successfully, from providing a guarantor to paying more upfront.
Landlords and letting agents ultimately want assurance that rent will be paid on time. By being prepared, honest and organised, you can put forward a strong application no matter your credit score.