What it takes to live in one of our houses:

You want to be safe and comfortable in your new home without all the weirdos? Check out our referencing criteria to see how we make sure everyone is happy together and make sure you have all the necessary information and documents ready!
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It normally takes 7 days to fully process referencing.  If you need to move more quickly make sure you let us know and we will do our best (although we can't guarantee it).  We've found that what takes the longest is waiting for a response from your employer and landlord.  It also helps speed things up if you have read through all of the following and have all your documents ready to send us electronically (photos from your mobile are fine).

Key Documents:

Here is a list of the key documents that we look at and need copies of as part of your referencing.

• Passport or other Government Issued Identification.
• Visa or residence permit showing that you are legally allowed to reside in the UK (this is required for all non-EU citizens).
• Most recent payslip showing your UK National Insurance Number.
• If you do not yet have a UK National Insurance number it's ok, but we will require a copy of it as soon as you receive it.
• Most recent 3 months bank statements from your every day account.
• Share code for non-UK residents from the EU.

The Criteria:

We use the guidelines from a company called Letting Ref to process all of your referencing. Here's what is needed to pass.

**EITHER YOU OR YOUR GUARANTOR NEED TO MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

• Employment: You must be in full-time employment .  If you are changing jobs we will need confirmation from your new employer, including confirmation of salary.
  • Note: (internships / placements / post graduate research assignments are acceptable as long as they are full time and you have a guarantor)
• Affordability: The monthly rent for your new room must be less than 35% of your monthly gross salary (this is your salary before taxes and deductions)
• Gauge Credit Score: Must be greater than 518.  This is an amalgamation of different credit scoring criteria.  You can read more about your Gauge Score HERE.
• Financial History:  No CCJs (County Court Judgements), No Bankruptcies.
• Legal History:  No felonies, no jail time, no rap sheet when we Google you.
• Previous Landlord: Positive reference from your current landlord.
  • Note: if you are currently living at home or overseas this may be waived.
• Friendly & Courteous: Because you want to live with nice people too!

Do you need a guarantor?

Will you have any problems meeting some of the referencing criteria on your own?  No worries!  As long as you have a guarantor that meets the criteria you are all set and welcome to live with us. 

​Normally your guarantor will be a UK resident that own's their own home.  If this is not possible then we will accept a parent or other older family member (not a boyfriend / girlfriend / best mate, etc).

Additional Points to be Aware of:

Special offers (low deposit, etc) are only available if you are able to pass your referencing.  There may be some instances where we will still accept you as a tenant even if you or your guarantor cannot pass all of the referencing criteria upon acceptance of a higher deposit or full rent paid in advance.

If you fail your referencing for any of the criteria listed above and we are unable to accommodate you through any additional measures you WILL NOT receive a refund of any deposit paid.

If we are unable to accommodate you through any fault or decision of our own we WILL provide a refund of deposits paid.

**If you have any concerns or questions about the referencing criteria please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling us on 01865 575 995 and we will be happy to talk through your situation with you.**