Quick & simple referencing
Referencing is a standard part of the tenancy process for everyone. Your checks will be completed as quickly as we can but we’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
Simple online
form
Real-time tracking &
live notifications
Data is safe
& secure
How we complete your referencing
Your letting agent will ask us to carry out specific checks so that they can be sure you are suitable for the tenancy you have applied for. BOX will explain what information you need to provide and will keep you updated so you can see exactly what’s left to do.
1. Create your account
You’ll receive an email from us inviting you to create an account. Once you’ve signed in you’ll be able to see the details for your tenancy and access your application form.
2. Submit your application form
Complete all the fields in your online application. This will provide us with all the information we need to complete your referencing checks. You’ll need to provide details of your address history for the last three years and details of your income. If you’re asked to provide a referee, please ensure they are someone in a more senior position and able to confirm your finances. If you have previously rented, you’ll also need to provide details of your last landlord or letting agent’s details.
Don’t forget to share your details with using Open Banking. This is the fastest way for us to verify your income and rental history.
3. Your checks in progress
As soon as you submit your form we’ll carry out a soft credit check and start to review your information. Don’t worry, this won’t affect your credit score. We’ll instantly contact your referees, so it’s a good idea to let them know we’ll be in touch so they can respond quickly.
You can sign into your account to check progress at any time.
4. Final checks complete
Once all checks are completed, results are instantly shared with your letting agent. They will review the details to decide how to proceed with your tenancy application.
Tenant Referencing
Your questions answered
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions tenants ask us about their referencing checks. If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for just drop us a message.
How do I upload documents after I’ve submitted my application form?
If we need anything additional documents we will get in touch with you to confirm what we need. The fastest and most secure way to provide documents to us is to sign into your account where you can upload them directly to your application. Just click ‘Step 2 – Referencing checks in progress’ where you’ll find the document upload area.
I haven’t received an email to create an account
You’ll receive a welcome email when your letting agent has registered you on our system. If they have already registered you, the email can sometimes go straight to your spam or junk folder. Please check this folder first but if you still haven’t received it, please drop us a message or give us a call on 0345 241 0762.
How do I get an update on my reference checks?
You can check the latest status at any time by signing into your account. Under ‘Step 2 – Referencing checks in progress’ you’ll be able to see a summary of the overall status of your checks. Beneath the tracker you’ll find a more detailed view of the individual status of your rental history and/or income checks. You can also see the overall status of your co-tenants’ applications too.
How long will it take?
It will depend on what type of checks your letting has asked us to complete. If you share your financial data with us using Open Banking we can usually complete your checks the same day. However, if your letting agent would like us to obtain references from your employer or accountant and your previous landlord, it can often take a couple of days. In this case, how quickly we complete your checks depends on how fast they get back to us. We’ll regularly contact your referees to remind them, but we recommend you get in touch with them too as they will often respond faster if you make a personal request.
Is Open Banking secure?
Yes. The use of Open Banking is highly regulated and can only be used by certain providers authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. You will never have to share your online banking login details with us; your financial data is controlled by you and is provided to us directly from your bank via a secure, regulated platform. You can find out more about Open Banking here.
I’m only acting as a guarantor, not a tenant. Why am I being referenced?
By acting as a guarantor, you are making a financial commitment that you would take on the responsibilities of the tenancy if the tenant you are acting for should fail to meet them. For example, you would be called on to pay any missed rent payments if the tenant can’t or won’t do it themselves. As such the letting agent needs to be sure you could afford to cover the rent if this should happen, and so we need to carry out reference checks to verify a guarantor’s income too.
Why do I need to provide payslips if I have shared my financial data using Open Banking?
We recommend uploading copies of your last three months’ payslips when submitting your application, even if you have consented to using Open Banking. This is just to help avoid any delays if we need to be able to confirm any anomalies in your salary payments, e.g. deductions or bonuses.
I’m paying the rent for the tenancy term in advance. Why do I need an income reference?
Once your initial tenancy term has come to an end, your tenancy may become a periodic tenancy. This means that your agreement will become a rolling monthly contract where you would then begin to pay rent monthly. Your letting agent may require us to verify your income before your tenancy is due to start to confirm that you’d be able to afford the monthly rent if your tenancy does become periodic.
What should I enter if I don’t have a landline phone number for my employer or accountant?
If you don’t have a landline number for your referee, please enter a mobile number instead if this is all you have. We require a business landline number to be able to verify we are speaking with your employer or accountant. In most cases that means we would be unable to accept references provided to us via a mobile number as we can’t verify it belongs to the company. We can however still use the mobile number to try to arrange with your referee an alternative way for us to receive the information we need.
I’ve just started a new job, but I haven’t yet received my first payslip. What should I do?
If you don’t yet have any payslips, please upload a copy of your employment contract which must be signed by both you and your employer. Your letting agent may ask us to obtain a reference from your new employer as well, but it’s still helpful to upload your contract as soon as you can to avoid any delays if we need it to verify your details.
I’m a director of my own company. Should I declare my income as employment or self-employment?
If you are an employee of your own limited company please enter this income as employment. Your referee for this type of income will need to be an accountant who is registered with a professional body such as the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). If you don’t have an accountant that meets this requirement, please upload a copy of your latest SA302 tax return dated within the last 12 months.