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Step 4 · Before you let

Reference the tenant

Right to Rent, affordability, guarantor or rent guarantee cover.

Legal requirement Before the tenancy is agreed

What you need to know

  • Do Right to Rent checks on every adult who will live there, before the tenancy starts.
  • Check affordability and references fairly for all applicants.
  • If someone can't pass referencing, a guarantor or rent guarantee insurance is the usual answer — not large upfront payments.

Documents for this step

Source: GOV.UK: renting out a property. Checked 31 Oct 2026. General information, not legal advice.