Which documents do you need to rent a property?

Firstly, it’s important that you can identify yourself. The tenancy agreement will be in your name, and possibly also in the name of your fellow tenant. So make sure to provide one of the following identity documents for everyone who will be living in the property:

• A (valid) passport;
• A (valid) ID card;
• A (valid) driving licence (check if this is also valid if you have a foreign driver's licence);
• A (valid) residence permit.

Note: make sure your documents are GDPR-compliant.

For a landlord, it is important to know that you have a steady income. That’s why you need to demonstrate how you will pay the rent. You can prove this with different types of documents:

• An income statement;
• 3 recent payslips, you should receive these automatically from your employer;
• An employer’s reference;
• An insurance statement: you can download this from the DWP;
• A proof of payment: you can provide this by downloading a (recent) bank statement showing that your salary has been deposited. Sometimes a screenshot of the deposit is also sufficient;
• Proof of savings (savings, etc.), also a (recent) statement or screenshot.
• If you don’t have a permanent contract, an intention statement can provide extra assurance. This is a statement where your employer indicates they intend to offer you a permanent contract at your next contract renewal.

For the self-employed, those on benefits, students:

• For the self-employed: your most recent yearly summary;
• For benefits: award letter & types of benefit:
• For students: student loan information and, if applicable, guarantor’s declaration.

In addition to your proof of identity and contact details, it can be useful to send additional personal documents. The letting agent may also request specific documents. Consider the following:

• A cover letter: Here you politely introduce yourself and any fellow tenants, and share something about yourself. You can also add photos to the letter. Make it presentable and download it as a PDF. Then you can attach it to your email to the letting agent;
• Reference letter from your employer or manager: This isn’t compulsory, but it may help if the landlord values stability.

Extra documents

In some cases, the letting agent may also ask for the following documents. Usually, this isn’t required.

• Extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP): This shows your residential history;
• Proof of enrolment at an educational institution + evidence of student loan (DUO): For students or recent graduates.