Tech firm challenges ‘unfair’ credit checks

Homeppl says it hopes to challenge what it calls the UK's "unfair" and outdated tenant referencing system

(Picture: Daniel Lynch)

A London-based technology start-up aims to help millions who struggle to pass property rental credit checks.

Homeppl says it hopes to challenge what it calls the UK's "unfair" and outdated tenant referencing system. Currently, one in three are unable to rent certain properties due to issues surrounding the checks. 

This affects about five million in the UK who would make good tenants but are unable to meet sometimes archaic requirements. Those affected tend to have little credit history in Britain, including a high number of international students and self-employed people.

Homeppl uses open banking, behavioural analysis and fraud detection tests to measure whether tenants can afford to pay, not just their income.

5 million

The number in the UK who could make good tenants but are unable to meet archaic requirements