A bad credit score can make renting a home more challenging, but it doesn’t have to stop you from securing the right property. Many landlords and letting agents run credit checks to assess a tenant’s financial reliability, and a low score might raise concerns. However, there are several ways to improve your chances of being accepted for a rental property, even if your credit history isn’t perfect.
In this guide, we’ll explain how landlords view credit scores, the steps you can take to reassure them, and practical solutions such as using a guarantor, paying rent upfront, and improving your credit rating over time.
Do Landlords Always Check Credit Scores?
Most landlords and letting agents will perform a credit check as part of their referencing process. This check helps them assess whether you’ve had financial difficulties in the past, such as missed payments, defaults, or County Court Judgments (CCJs). However, a bad credit score doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be rejected—many landlords will take other factors into account, such as your income, employment status, and rental history.
Some private landlords may not run credit checks at all, especially if they manage the property themselves rather than using a letting agency. In these cases, providing strong references and demonstrating financial stability can be enough to secure the tenancy.
How to Rent with a Bad Credit Score
If you have a poor credit history, you can take several steps to improve your chances of being accepted as a tenant.
1. Offer a Guarantor
A guarantor is someone—typically a parent, family member, or close friend—who agrees to cover your rent if you are unable to pay. This provides landlords with additional security, as they know they will still receive rent even if you experience financial difficulties.
To act as a guarantor, the person must usually:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Have a stable income and a good credit history.
- Be a UK resident (in most cases).
Before asking someone to be your guarantor, ensure they understand the financial commitment involved. If you fail to pay rent, they will be legally responsible for covering the costs.
2. Pay Rent Upfront
If possible, offering to pay several months’ rent in advance can help reassure landlords that you are financially stable. This is particularly useful if you have had issues with missed payments in the past. Some landlords may accept three to six months’ rent upfront instead of running a credit check, making this a great option if you have savings available.
3. Provide Strong References
A good reference from a previous landlord can make a significant difference when applying for a rental property. If you have always paid rent on time in the past, ask your previous landlord to confirm this in writing. You can also provide employer references to show that you have a stable income.
If you’re renting for the first time and don’t have a previous landlord, consider offering references from an employer, university, or even a financial adviser who can confirm your reliability.
4. Look for Private Landlords
Not all landlords perform credit checks, especially those who rent out properties privately rather than through a letting agency. While it’s still important to be honest about your financial situation, some private landlords may be more flexible if you can demonstrate stable employment and a reliable income.
5. Improve Your Credit Score
While improving your credit score takes time, even small changes can help boost your rating and make future rentals easier to secure. Some quick ways to improve your score include:
- Registering on the electoral roll – This helps verify your identity and makes you appear more stable to lenders and landlords.
- Paying bills on time – Even small payments, such as phone bills or streaming subscriptions, can impact your credit history.
- Reducing outstanding debt – Lowering credit card balances and paying off old debts can improve your score.
- Checking your credit report for errors – Mistakes on your credit file can negatively impact your score. You can check your credit report for free through services like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
6. Be Honest About Your Situation
If a landlord asks about your credit history, it’s always best to be upfront. Many landlords appreciate honesty and will be more willing to work with tenants who acknowledge past financial difficulties but have taken steps to improve their situation. Explain any past issues and highlight what you’ve done to become more financially stable.
7. Consider Alternative Rental Schemes
Some rental guarantee schemes help tenants with poor credit secure housing by acting as an intermediary between tenants and landlords. These schemes, often run by local councils or charities, can provide additional security for landlords while helping tenants access housing they might otherwise struggle to get.
Final Thoughts
Having a bad credit score doesn’t mean you can’t find a good rental property. By taking proactive steps—such as offering a guarantor, paying upfront, or improving your credit rating—you can reassure landlords and increase your chances of securing a tenancy.
At Fleming Lettings, we understand that credit scores don’t always reflect a tenant’s ability to pay rent. If you’re worried about passing a credit check, get in touch with our team—we can advise you on your options and help you find a rental that works for you.
