Updating post from Reddit.
Hello,
My landlord has started using rightmove referencing and has asked me to fill out an application regarding “politically exposed persons” checks. Apparently this is now a thing since May 2025 and everyone (landlords tenants etc) needs to complete this.
The form asked for the usual, contact details, employment, addresses (previous 3 years) and financial info.
The application says there will be a soft credit check that will be run. It asked me to consent to process criminal offence data; it said this was optional but I ticked it anyway.
Then it said the letting agent will need a copy of my passport and then the referencing team (rightmove I assume) will email me asking for copies of my payslips/bank statements as proof of income.
Is this all legitimate?
As far as I'm aware only lettings agents are required to do these checks.
Independent landlords do not.
Edit: landlords do need to do this.
Its been mandatory for independent landlords as of 14th May. It wasnt legally required before only advised
Great info thank you.
The landlord is a big company so I don’t know why they’re asking for this really, I asked and they said it’s a new process 🤔
Yep. Government made it mandatory on 14th May, although most already did it with their own ''tenant referencing checks'
How are these checks conducted? Landlords and letting agents must verify that their tenants, guarantors, and landlords are not on the UK sanctions list or identified as a PEP. Many online services offer automated PEP and sanctions screening as part of their referencing process. These checks often involve screening against various databases, including those from official sources like OFSI, UN, EU, and OFAC.
Ah okay. I assume cause my landlord is a big company they’re going down this route instead. Thank you!
99.9999% of landlords/Agents have always done tenant referencing. ID, payslips/proof of benfits, soft credit check etc... that's why sometimes people get the 'its come back you need a garantor' then THEY have to pass the same BS (🤣🤣🤣 thats a fun one for me because my garantor is my mother and she has no photo ID except her work one)
I think its just labels and red tape now to stop the few rogue Landlords renting out turd boxes at extortionate prices to us poor lowly peasants that dare to rent 🤔🤔🤔🤔
Haha ahh I see. And does PEP apply to everyone then, cause I’m not a politically exposed person o_O haha
As far as I can make out. Its everyone. Ive linked a company called goodlord above which is the referencing place my currently landlord used last in May (I moved in june). Also linked one called Romans below but incase it doesnr open the second paragraph is 'Who needs to be checked?
All landlords, tenants and guarantors must have checks completed. In the case of landlords, this applies to all owners of the property. If the landlord is a company, the named directors will be checked. To aid this process, checks will be completed at the start of each new tenancy or where there is a change during the tenancy such as a change of tenant or landlord ownership'
Thanks so much! :)
No problem 😊 honestly you'll fly through it. You'll have been referenced before and unless youve NOW become a PEP or on the sacriom list You've nothing to worry about
Nothing’s changed - the only difference is that I’m renewing my tenancy haha
🤣 you'll fly through
Haha I hate everything new. I have OCD and this has made me worry for the last 5 hours 😂
Also, I’m not a PEP - why am I having to do this? Or is this literally for everyone, regardless?
All adults apparently even if they dont pay rent
Does this apply to all tenants and landlords?
Yes - this applies to all new tenancies from 14th of May, and then renewals and existing tenancies in later phases.
Who needs to be checked?
All landlords, tenants, guarantors and anyone over 18 living at the property, even if they are not paying rent.
Thanks so much :)