Renting a flat in London can be overwhelming—especially in a market where demand far exceeds supply.
With competition fierce and landlords becoming increasingly selective, prospective tenants must be proactive, well-prepared, and organised to stand out.
Below is a comprehensive tenant checklist to help you get approved for your dream flat—while also showing landlords why choosing our expert letting services at London Estate Agency is their best decision yet.
Essential Documents for a Flat Application in London
To avoid missing out on a property, you must prepare your documentation before viewing flats.
Proof of Identity
Make sure you have a valid photo ID, such as:
UK or international passport
Driving licence
Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
Right to Rent Documents
Landlords are legally required to check your Right to Rent status. Non-UK citizens must provide a share code or visa documentation. London Estate Agency handles all Right to Rent checks in-house to ensure swift compliance and peace of mind.
Proof of Income
Most landlords require tenants to earn at least 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent.
Last 3–6 months of payslips
Employment contract
Bank statements
Self-employed? Provide tax returns or accountant references.
Let us manage this for you—our Tenant Screening service ensures that all documents are verified and presentable to the landlord, increasing your chances of approval.
References
You will typically need:
- Landlord reference confirming your previous rental history
- Employer reference verifying your income and position. We collect and verify these references on your behalf, making it easier for landlords to trust your profile.
Understand the London Rental Market
London’s property market is fast-paced. Flats can be listed and taken within hours. Here’s how to gain a competitive edge.
Be Quick and Decisive
We recommend booking a viewing as soon as possible and being ready to put down a holding deposit immediately after viewing. Our lettings team offers exclusive early access to flats before they go public.
Know Your Budget
Don’t waste time viewing properties out of your range. Factor in:
Rent
Council tax
Utilities
Internet
Transport
With London Estate Agency, we can tailor property recommendations based on your real affordability.
What Landlords Look for in a Tenant
Knowing how landlords think can help you present yourself more favourably.
Financial Stability
Landlords want tenants who pay on time without fail. Having Rent Protection Insurance in place—like the one we offer to our landlords—makes it easier for them to approve your application.
Clean Rental History
Evictions, missed payments, or disputes are red flags. If you’re worried about your record, speak with us first—we can help manage the conversation and negotiate on your behalf.
Long-Term Intentions
Tenants willing to stay for 12+ months are preferred. We help you communicate your long-term plans professionally, giving landlords peace of mind.
How to Make a Great First Impression
Be Professional and Punctual
Dress appropriately and show up on time for viewings. Speak, ask questions, and show genuine interest. Our agents accompany you and guide you on the do’s and don’ts during viewings.
Write a Tenant Bio
We recommend preparing a summary about yourself:
Occupation
Hobbies/interests
Reason for moving
Preferred move-in date: This humanises your application and builds trust. Our experts help craft compelling bios that win landlords over.
Holding Deposits and Fees Explained
Holding Deposit
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll usually pay a holding deposit (equal to one week’s rent). This removes the property from the market while references and checks are completed.
At London Estate Agency, we ensure transparency in all payments and speed up the referencing process to secure the property faster.
Security Deposit
Typically, five weeks’ rent. We safeguard deposits with government-backed tenancy deposit schemes.
Tenant Checklist for Approval
Here’s your go-to list to stay ahead:
✅ Photo ID
✅ Right to Rent documentation
✅ Proof of income (payslips, bank statements, or self-employment docs)
✅ References (landlord and employer)
✅ Guarantor details (if required)
✅ Budget planning
✅ Completed application form
✅ Holding deposit ready
We handle all of this for our clients with a streamlined onboarding process that gets you approved faster.
Why Work with London Estate Agency
We’re not just a lettings agent but your rental success partner. With an in-house tenant screening system, Rent Guarantee Insurance, exclusive listings, and a landlord-trusted reputation, we increase your chances of securing your desired flat. Plus, for landlords reading this—partnering with us means reduced risk, faster lets, and happier tenants.
If you’re a landlord looking to safeguard your property and income, contact us to learn more about our Tenant Screening & Rent Protection packages.
FAQs
How long does it take to get approved for a flat in London?
Usually between 2–7 days if you have your documents ready. Our service speeds this up through instant tenant checks and verified references.
Do I need a guarantor to rent in London?
A UK-based guarantor is often required if your income doesn’t meet the threshold or your credit history is limited. We help applicants find suitable guarantors or offer rent-in-advance options.
What if I’m self-employed or a student?
You must provide more detailed financial documents or pay several months upfront. Let us handle these situations with our landlord-approved strategies.
Can I rent without a UK bank account?
Some landlords require it, but not all. We can guide you through alternative options and help you with your account.
