Advertise rent clearly and assess applicants fairly

Write the advert from the actual property

The advert should describe the rent, accommodation and relevant restrictions accurately.

• State the required asking rent and follow current rental-bidding restrictions. Do not invite or accept a prohibited offer above the advertised rent.
• Describe rooms, shared facilities, bills and any genuine occupancy limits. Avoid advertising an unapproved room as a bedroom.
• Remove prohibited blanket exclusions involving children or benefits and check the agent's version after publication.

Use consistent applicant checks

Choose criteria that relate to the actual letting and apply them fairly.

• Assess affordability using relevant income and expenditure evidence, allowing suitable alternatives to a payslip where appropriate.
• Explain references and any guarantor requirement before collecting money. Check lawful fee and deposit rules.
• Keep right to rent as the separate English legal check and use the correct official route consistently.

Keep a decision record

A short, factual explanation is more useful than a vague reference to suitability.

• Record the relevant evidence, any clarification requested and the reason for the decision.
• Restrict personal information to those handling the application and follow the retention policy.
• If a provider rejects an applicant automatically, understand the reason before relying on it. Correct inaccurate information or discriminatory settings.

Related guides

• Complete right to rent checks in England
• Respond to a pet request in England
• Assess affordability without a blanket applicant ban
• Check an application document that may be false
• Reference an applicant who has no payslips
• Assess an applicant with overseas income or references