References for Landlords

[Valeriea]

We will be coming back to live in the UK after a long spell abroad.We will be looking for a property to rent. If a landlord ask for references who do we get references from,do relatives count? Also what should the references say?

[ChuckFickens]

Funny enough the letter has just this minute dropped through my door saying my references are OK for the property I'm moving into next week :)

Anyhow, all my current letting agency and my new one wanted were references from my employer saying I do work for them and references from a previous landlord, presumably saying I did rent from them and paid my rent. I've never had to provide personal references to rent a property.

[Nibble]

Normally, the landlord is interested in:- (1) have you the means to pay the rent, (2) Any late payment/defaults against you, (3) Outstanding Court/Police action against you, (4) Ability to show stable living situations

This is only IMHO

[Valeriea]

I forgot to add I had an overdraft with a UK bank and I was ill and missed a few payments and the bank referred it to a debt collection office (even though I told the bank I was ill and would pay later) but I am paying it back now,will it go against me when looking to rent flats through letting/estate agents?

[bednobs]

probably