How we choose our tenants

We often have more interest than homes, so we need a fair way to choose. We use the same published checklist for everyone, so you know where you stand before you apply.

What we look for

• Income. Household income from all sources, including any benefits, of at least 3 times the monthly rent (2 times for our London homes).
• Proof of income. 3 months of payslips, 2 years of accounts if you're self-employed, or benefit award letters.
• Credit. No unpaid County Court Judgments, bankruptcy or debt relief order.
• Savings. Around 4 months' rent helps, but only as evidence the home is affordable. By law, the most rent you can be asked for before you move in is the first month's (28 days' if you pay weekly).
• A guarantor, if needed. Someone earning at least 2.5 times the rent, with a good credit record. They don't need to own their home.
• A non-smoking household, inside and out.
• Viewing in person. If you need a different arrangement, just tell us.
• Pets are considered case by case. See asking to keep a pet.

Children and benefits are always welcome

We never refuse anyone because they have children or because they receive benefits. Since 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has made this the law for landlords in England. Apart from a few narrow exceptions, nobody can be stopped from asking about, viewing or renting a home for either reason, or have a rule used against them to make renting less likely. When affordability is checked, the government's guidance says benefit income must count in the same way as other income, and that's how we count it.

Fair to everyone

We treat everyone fairly under the Equality Act 2010, which, for renting a home, protects disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. If you're disabled and something about how we let our homes puts you at a disadvantage, such as how a viewing works, please ask. The Act expects landlords to make reasonable adjustments when asked. See also being treated fairly.

If you don't tick every box

You can still join our waiting list if some points don't apply to you. And if you once had a County Court Judgment and have since paid it, you can ask the court for a certificate of satisfaction (or of cancellation, if you paid within a month) as proof.

Find out more

• Rental discrimination: a guide for tenants (GOV.UK)
• Renters' Rights Act 2025, section 33: children (legislation.gov.uk)
• Renters' Rights Act 2025, section 34: benefits (legislation.gov.uk)
• Equality Act 2010, section 33 (legislation.gov.uk)
• CCJs and your credit rating (GOV.UK)