Reference
Tenant screening glossary
Plain-English definitions of the UK lettings and tenant screening terms landlords come across most.
- Affordability
- Whether a tenant's income comfortably covers the rent and their other commitments. The single biggest predictor of a sustainable tenancy.
- Income multiple
- Gross annual income divided by annual rent. Many landlords look for at least 2.5–3x, used as a guide rather than a hard rule.
- Guarantor
- A third party who agrees to cover the rent if the tenant cannot. Often used when an applicant's income alone doesn't meet the affordability threshold.
- Right to Rent
- A legal check (England only) that occupiers aged 18+ have the right to rent in the UK. Separate from screening — see the Right to Rent guide.
- CCJ (County Court Judgment)
- A court ruling that someone owes a debt. CCJs appear on credit files and may surface in a credit check rather than in screening.
- Tenant referencing
- Formal verification of an applicant's employment, income, and previous landlord references. See screening vs referencing.
- Credit check
- A search of an applicant's credit history with a credit-reference agency. See screening vs credit check.
- Tenant screening
- Assessing whether a prospective tenant is likely to sustain a tenancy, based on affordability and stability. Read the full guide.