Tenant Affordability Checks UK
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 clearer view of affordability
- ✓Income considered against the proposed monthly rent
- ✓Employment and other declared income reviewed consistently
- ✓Potential shortfalls highlighted before commitment
- ✓Clear information to support your final letting decision
More than a simple income figure
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.
Income evidence
Review the income information supplied for the applicant, including relevant employment or other declared sources.
Rent-to-income position
Compare the proposed rent with the applicant’s verified income using a consistent affordability approach.
Potential shortfalls
Highlight where the figures may require closer review rather than allowing risk to remain hidden.
Decision support
Present a clear result that helps landlords and agents make an informed final decision.
Reduce avoidable risk before the tenancy starts
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.
Built for landlords and letting agents
STEP 1 keeps the process practical and decision-focused. You receive information that can be understood and acted upon without unnecessary jargon.
Already registered? Log in to the client portal. New to STEP 1? Create an account to get started.
A straightforward three-step process
Submit the applicant details
Create the request through the secure STEP 1 portal and provide the information needed to begin the assessment.
Income is reviewed
Relevant evidence is considered against the proposed rent so the affordability position can be assessed consistently.
Review the result
Use the affordability outcome alongside the wider application information to make your final letting decision.
Tenant affordability check FAQs
What is a tenant affordability check?
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.
Is an affordability check the same as a credit check?
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.
What happens if the tenant does not meet the affordability level?
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.
Should landlords rely on affordability alone?
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.
Make your next letting decision with clearer affordability evidence
Create your STEP 1 account or speak to us about the right level of tenant referencing for your agency or portfolio.