When you apply to rent a property, referencing checks verify you can afford the rent. Understanding these criteria upfront helps you know if you’ll pass and what documents to prepare.

Quick affordability check

Use our Rent Affordability Calculator to see if you meet the requirements. Simply enter your monthly income and rent amount to get an instant assessment.

Income requirements explained

Single applicant:

You need to earn at least 2.5 times the monthly rent as gross income (before tax).

Example:

• Monthly rent: £1,200
• Required gross income: £3,000/month (£36,000/year)

If you earn less than this, you’ll typically need a guarantor to support your application.

Multiple applicants (joint tenancy):

Each applicant must individually earn 2.5 times their share of the rent.

Example:

• Monthly rent: £1,800 (split equally between 2 people)
• Each person’s share: £900
• Required income per person: £2,250/month gross (£27,000/year)

The rent is typically split equally unless you’ve agreed otherwise with the landlord.

Guarantors:

A guarantor needs to earn 3 times the total monthly rent as gross income.

Example:

• Monthly rent: £1,200
• Required guarantor income: £3,600/month (£43,200/year)

Guarantors must pass comprehensive checks and are typically UK-based homeowners or working professionals.

Understanding gross income

Gross income means your earnings before tax and deductions. This includes:

• Employment salary (basic pay plus contractual bonuses/allowances)
• Self-employed income (typically averaged from recent tax returns)
• Pension income
• Regular, documented benefits or stipends

One-off bonuses or irregular overtime usually aren’t included.

What if I don’t meet the requirements?

You’ll likely need a guarantor who earns 3× the monthly rent and can pass full referencing checks.

Other options may include:

• Offering a larger deposit (if the landlord agrees)
• Paying several months’ rent in advance
• Providing additional proof of savings or assets

Requirements vary by landlord and letting agent, so it’s worth discussing your situation with them directly.

Common questions

Do both tenants need to earn 2.5× the full rent?
No—each person needs to earn 2.5× their individual share of the rent.

What if I’ve just started a new job?
You may need a guarantor during your probation period, or until you can provide payslips showing regular income.

I’m self-employed—how is my income assessed?
Your income is typically calculated as an average from your most recent tax returns or accounts (usually 2-3 years).

Can benefits count toward my income?
Yes, regular and documented benefits can count toward affordability. Each application is assessed individually.

Need help?

• Use the Rent Affordability Calculator to check your eligibility
• Contact our support team if you have questions about your specific situation