Why automation is no longer a ‘nice to have’ in tenant referencing
Lettings businesses are under pressure. From stricter compliance obligations to tighter margins and evolving expectations of tenants and landlords, the landscape is shifting fast. The Renters' Rights Bill is set to add even more scrutiny and responsibility for agents, reinforcing the need to have robust, efficient processes in place.
In this environment, automation isn’t just a bonus. It’s becoming a necessity for tenant referencing.
Referencing is one of the most admin-heavy parts of a tenancy, and the pressure is mounting. The State of the Lettings Industry 2024 report found that 33% of letting agents cite stress as a significant issue. That reflects the impact of rising workloads and tighter margins.
Automation helps ease that burden by cutting down manual work and speeding up turnaround times, without compromising on quality or compliance.
The pressure on fragmented processes
Many agents have moved on from fully manual checks. A credit check might be done in one system, with other tools used to collect documents or verify ID. But when these systems aren't connected, the process still depends on staff manually chasing updates, switching between platforms and pushing the next step forward.
This lack of integration slows everything down and creates an inconsistent experience. It's not that the tools are missing. It's that they don't work together.
An automated referencing system brings everything into one place. By integrating each step and managing the process from start to finish, it reduces admin, speeds up turnaround times and creates a smoother experience for everyone involved.
Compliance is tightening
From right to rent to AML and sanctions screening, compliance requirements are growing more complex. The Renters' Rights Bill will introduce increased admin, including a rise in Section 8 and Section 13 notices, increasing the pressure on agents to follow clear, consistent workflows and demonstrate compliance at every stage.
Manual checks can be time-consuming and inconsistent. Identifying politically exposed persons or individuals on sanctions lists is not straightforward without reliable tools. An automated system can help ensure these checks are always done properly, reducing risk and saving valuable time.
Strong referencing is key to rent protection
The Renters' Rights Bill will abolish Section 21, making it harder for landlords to regain possession of their properties. As a result, more landlords are considering rent protection policies as a safety net against income loss.
But not every referencing process qualifies for full cover. To be eligible, insurers typically require consistent income verification, documented affordability checks and a clear audit trail. In-house or piecemeal approaches, where steps are missed or poorly recorded, can leave gaps that invalidate a claim.
Automated referencing systems help ensure each applicant is assessed to the required standard. Every step is tracked, completed and recorded. This supports a more robust and insurable process from the outset.
Time is money
Letting teams are often stretched thin. Time spent on repetitive admin such as chasing tenants for documents or checking progress manually is time taken away from higher-value tasks like landlord retention or progressing lets.
Automating the background work allows teams to focus on what matters. It also improves the tenant experience by guiding applicants through the process with fewer delays and less back and forth.
Better visibility, better outcomes
One of the biggest challenges with multi-step referencing is a lack of visibility. When tasks are scattered across emails, spreadsheets or different tools, it’s hard to see where things stand.
A centralised approach gives the entire team a shared view of each application. Whether it’s checking what’s outstanding or seeing when a decision is ready, that clarity speeds things up and reduces the risk of missed steps.
It also supports better collaboration, handovers and reporting. This is especially valuable for growing agencies managing multiple branches or increasing volumes.
Taking the next step
As the demands on lettings teams grow, it’s clear that disconnected tools and manual processes are no longer enough. A more joined-up, visible and automated approach doesn’t just save time – it creates a better experience for everyone involved and supports stronger outcomes across compliance, speed and service.
Vouch Core brings all of this into one platform, giving letting agents more control, less admin and a smoother referencing journey from start to finish.