Documents Needed to Rent a Property: A Tenant Checklist

A well-priced property in Brighton or Hove can attract interest quickly, particularly around the city centre, Seven Dials, Lewes Road and the seafront. Having your documents ready before applying can make the process much smoother.

Whether you’re a student looking for a shared house or a professional renting a flat, most rental applications involve the same key steps: confirming your identity, completing a Right to Rent check and demonstrating that you can afford the rent.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Before applying, it’s worth preparing clear digital copies of the documents. Make sure names, addresses, dates and other important information are easy to read.

A blurred passport image or cropped bank statement can delay an otherwise straightforward rental application.

You will need: 

• Valid photo identification
• Proof of your current address
• Right to Rent documents or a share code if an international tenant
• Proof of income or employment or student ID depending if you are a professional or student.
• Previous landlord or letting agent details
• Guarantor information, where required

Landlords and letting agents in England must complete a Right to Rent check for every adult who will occupy the property as their only or main home.

British and Irish citizens can usually provide a valid passport or other accepted documentation. International applicants will need to provide a Home Office share code.

Right to Rent checks are separate from referencing and affordability checks and must be completed before the tenancy begins.

Landlords need to establish that professional tenants can afford the rent.

If you’re starting a new job, receiving benefits or earning income from multiple sources, speak to the letting agent early so they can advise on suitable supporting documents.

For couples or shared houses, affordability may be assessed using combined household income or individual referencing, depending on the circumstances. To check your affordability use an affordability calculator.

Students will usually need to provide proof of their student status, such as a student ID or university enrolment letter.

Following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, confirming student status is more important than ever. Where a landlord intends to rely on Ground 4A, they must establish that all tenants meet the full-time student requirements before the tenancy agreement is signed.

It is therefore important that students provide accurate and up-to-date confirmation of their studies as early as possible to avoid delays with their application and tenancy paperwork.

Due to the Renters Rights Act a lot more landlords are now requiring a guarantor for all types of tenancies.

A guarantor may need to provide identification, proof of address, income evidence and employment details. Some landlords also require guarantors to be UK-based, homeowners or meet specific affordability criteria.

Guarantors should carefully review their responsibilities before signing, as they are taking on a financial commitment.

If you don’t have a suitable guarantor, ask the letting agent whether an alternative, such as a guarantor service, is accepted.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, restrictions on rent in advance mean that upfront rent cannot simply be used as an alternative to a guarantor.

You may be asked to pay a holding deposit to reserve a property while referencing takes place.

In England, a holding deposit cannot exceed one week’s rent, and the standard deadline for reaching an agreement is 14 days unless another period is agreed in writing.

Before paying, make sure you understand the proposed rent, move-in date, tenancy terms and circumstances in which the holding deposit may be refunded or retained.

Always keep a copy of your payment confirmation and holding deposit terms.

Once referencing is complete, you’ll be asked to review and sign your tenancy agreement.

If anything differs from what you previously discussed, raise it with the letting agent before signing.

Not every application is straightforward, particularly for first-time renters, students, international applicants or those with irregular income.

If you’re missing something, speak to your letting agent as early as possible. They may be able to advise on alternative evidence or explain what is needed to proceed.

The key is to be upfront and provide accurate information to avoid unnecessary delays.

Getting your documents organised before applying can save time and make securing your next home much easier.

At SJ Property Services, we’re here to guide you through the application, referencing and tenancy process. Applicants can also provide their documentation securely through our administration platform.

Looking for your next home? Browse our available properties or contact our friendly team for help with your rental application.