What are character and financial references when renting property?
Character reference is a verbal or written reference from a third party to state that you are reliable, trustworthy etc. This can be a family friend, work colleague. Most people can be submitted so long as they’re not family. A financial reference is used in conjunction with credit checks to prove that you can afford the rent. Normally this becomes a major factor if you are self employed or out of work but have another source of income. When there is no HR or work contact the referencing company/person/group will ask for financial records, usually 3-6 months of bank account details or apply for a letter from your bank, to prove that you can pay the rent.
