Yes, it is still possible to rent a property if you fail referencing, as the final decision lies with the landlord, not the referencing agency. Landlords may still accept you if you can provide a UK-based guarantor, pay several months of rent in advance, or offer a reasonable explanation for the failed checks.
Some landlords will accept a written and signed reference letter from your references, while others may want to call them up and have a conversation where they can ask questions about you as a tenant and as a person. It never hurts to ask a potential landlord what they would prefer.
While some landlords may be more hesitant to rent to someone with a recent eviction, renters can still secure housing with some extra effort and the right approach. Keep in mind that an eviction can remain on your record for up to seven years, depending on state laws and the type of report.
Improve your credit score
Turning poor credit or fair credit into a good credit score on your credit report can help counterbalance a negative rental history as many landlords or property management companies will do a credit check.
When faced with a failed tenant referencing report, landlords have to decide what to do next. For many, this would be the end of the line and they will move on to the next candidates. Others may decide to look at other options that will allow them to proceed.
A strong tenant screening process goes beyond reviewing credit scores and pay stubs. Speaking directly with an applicant's former landlord to conduct a tenant reference check can provide an inside look at how they've treated a rental property in the past — and how they might treat yours.
Even dismissed cases can appear for up to 7 years under FCRA §1681c. Order your report from Experian RentBureau / TransUnion SmartMove. File a dispute and request sealing if case was dismissed (California courts seal after 60 days). Unpaid rent or damage judgments show financial risk.
Previous Evictions or Unpaid Rent
A history of prior evictions or unpaid rent is one of the clearest warning signs for landlords. These records suggest that the applicant has struggled to meet rental obligations in the past, which can create significant risks for any new tenancy.
Tenant referencing checks can vary depending on the provider, but typically include:
We strongly advise you reference everyone over the age of 18 who is going to be living in the property. This is because referencing gives you useful information to help you make an informed decision about whether you should take someone on as a tenant.
1. Insufficient Income or Poor Credit Score. Landlords typically require tenants to earn at least 2–3 times their monthly rent to ensure they can afford payments. A low income or a poor credit history with unpaid bills, bankruptcies, or loan defaults can signal financial instability, leading to rejection.
Yes, landlords are generally required to tell you if you're denied, especially if the denial is based on a credit or background check, under federal law (FCRA) which mandates an Adverse Action Notice explaining the denial reason and your rights to dispute it. Even without that specific reason, they usually notify you by phone, email, or text within a few days, though some may just go silent if you aren't selected, so following up is a good idea.
You may fail a background check if records show red flags around financial responsibility, rental history, or identity. It could be a previous eviction, low credit score, or unpaid debts, not meeting the income limits, or supplying false information about employment and references.
A tenant background check typically includes information such as criminal records, rental history, eviction history, and insight into payment ability, all of which can help landlords to make an informed leasing decision.
What can a previous landlord disclose? A previous landlord can legally share factual, non-discriminatory information related to a tenant's behavior and lease history. They cannot disclose information about a tenant's race, religion, disability, gender identity, or other protected classes under fair housing laws.
Gaining a reference from a previous landlord is a key part of the tenant screening process because it helps landlords assess things such as: Reliability (timely rent payments) Behaviour (respectful conduct, rule-following) Property care (maintenance, cleanliness, damage)
'I hate my current landlord'
Every potential landlord is going to ask why you're moving. Tread lightly. Never tell a new landlord you hate your former landlord, or the maintenance staff, leasing office staff, or anyone else—even if they're the slummiest slumlords who ever existed.
What Are the Best Strategies for Renting with an Eviction?