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Income evidence
Review the income information supplied for the applicant, including relevant employment or other declared sources.
Assess whether a tenant’s verified income can reasonably support the proposed rent. STEP 1 gives UK landlords and letting agents a clear, consistent affordability result before a tenancy moves forward.
A tenant affordability check looks at the relationship between verified income and rent. It helps identify whether the proposed tenancy appears sustainable and whether further evidence, conditions or a guarantor should be considered.
Review the income information supplied for the applicant, including relevant employment or other declared sources.
Compare the proposed rent with the applicant’s verified income using a consistent affordability approach.
Highlight where the figures may require closer review rather than allowing risk to remain hidden.
Present a clear result that helps landlords and agents make an informed final decision.
Rent arrears are harder to solve after move-in. Reviewing affordability early gives you a stronger basis for deciding whether to proceed, request more evidence, change the terms or consider a guarantor.
For broader risk checks, combine affordability with our tenant credit check or choose a full tenant reference.
STEP 1 keeps the process practical and decision-focused. You receive information that can be understood and acted upon without unnecessary jargon.
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Create the request through the secure STEP 1 portal and provide the information needed to begin the assessment.
Relevant evidence is considered against the proposed rent so the affordability position can be assessed consistently.
Use the affordability outcome alongside the wider application information to make your final letting decision.
It is an assessment of whether the applicant’s verified income appears sufficient for the proposed rent. It supports the landlord or agent’s decision but should be considered alongside the rest of the application.
No. Affordability considers income in relation to rent, while a credit check focuses on credit history and related financial information. Using both provides a fuller view of risk.
A shortfall does not automatically decide the application. You may request further evidence, review the proposed terms or consider whether a suitable guarantor is appropriate.
No. Affordability is one part of a responsible referencing decision. Identity, credit information, employment, rental history and Right to Rent requirements may also be relevant.
Need help choosing the correct service? Contact STEP 1 and we will point you in the right direction.
Create your STEP 1 account or speak to us about the right level of tenant referencing for your agency or portfolio.