Updating post from Reddit.
Hi, first time tenant going through agency. I rented previously but through a family friend and private let. So didn’t have to go through all the checks and references. Im newly self employed and I am earning good wages since I started. Before that I was on UC. The agent said the landlord was happy to proceed with me to rent the house as long as references come back fine. I’ve completed the references and provided 2 guarantors. Messaged the agents today after a week of waiting as it fell on weekend how it’s all going. They said they’ve sent the landlord my references now it’s completed and once they’ve done Gas Safety Certificate and EPC they’ll let me know. I’m presuming this means there’s still a chance the landlord might turn down the offer of me renting ? What do you think the chances are of that?. I’ve been in limbo for a week now not knowing what’s going on waiting for references and wasn’t aware they sent them over for the landlord to check as well I just thought they got approved or denied 😭
Well, the point of references is that someone checks them. Could be the agency if the landlord paid them, could be the landlord themselves.
Gas safety and EPC is something the landlord has to do to let out the property legally. It would be illegal to let it to you without those. That said, they could have sent you a contract and move in date and done those in the meantime, but it's possible they're trying to make sure the landlord has a legally lettable property before they have you sign.
Generally speaking there's no reason for an agent or landlord to change their mind after they say they're happy for you to rent the rental property. Why would they put in more work to talk to other tenants? For what? They're not gonna get more commission or more rent so it's pointless effort to them. Unless the viewings were already booked of course, but then they'd have changed their minds by now, not a whole week later.
And what could go wrong with your references anyway, presumably you asked them and at most the agent or landlord will ask "are you happy to be the reference / guarantor for this person, plz confirm they haven't been a moron, ok thanks".
I think with two guarantors, references and solid income you're low risk. It's horrible waiting but chill out and let things progress. As above references will get checked.
Is there a chance it goes to someone else? Always. It's a cut throat market but no point in fretting over things outside of your control.
Until there's something on the dotted line and funds being transferred unfortunately it's still a possibility, but all things being considered I think you're okay. Keep following up and asking for clarification. All the best.