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Building References
What to do if you have no rental history, finding guarantors, and getting support worker references.
Relevant for:
Recovering
At Risk
Important Warnings
- Be honest about your situation. Lying on an application can get your tenancy ended.
- Do not use fake references. Landlords can check, and it is fraud.
- If a guarantor scheme is available, make sure you understand the terms and that it will not cause problems later.
- Landlords and letting agents usually ask for references from previous landlords, employers, or someone who knows you well.
- If you have been homeless or have no rental history, this can be a barrier. However, there are ways to build references.
- You can ask a support worker, social worker, probation officer, or doctor to provide a character reference.
- Some councils and charities run schemes where they act as your guarantor or provide a reference to landlords.
- A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot. This is often a family member or friend.
- You have the right to apply for housing even without references. Landlords should consider alternative evidence of your reliability.
- You cannot be refused housing solely because you have been homeless. This may be discrimination under the Equality Act if linked to a disability or other protected characteristic.
Next Steps
Important Action
Ask for a character reference
Speak to a support worker, social worker, GP, or college tutor. Explain you need a reference for housing.
Ask family or friends to be a guarantor
A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot. They usually need to be a homeowner or have a good income.
Important Action
Check if the council has a guarantor scheme
Some councils act as guarantors for people moving from homelessness into private renting. Ask your housing advisor.
Offer to pay rent in advance
If you can afford it, offering 3-6 months rent in advance can reassure landlords. Only do this if the landlord is reputable.
Use OpenRent or other direct-let services
Some landlords advertising directly are more flexible about references than agencies.
External Resources
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