Step 4 · Before you let
Reference the tenant
Right to Rent, affordability, guarantor or rent guarantee cover.
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.