Tenant Matching Scheme

If you're seeking a quality rental property in the private rented sector and want assurance of its standards, our tenant matching scheme is here to help. The scheme connects accredited landlords with vetted tenants, providing safe and secure housing for tenants, while offering landlords vetted tenants.

How the Tenant Matching Scheme works

We'll carry out a full reference check, including income and expenditure assessments on all tenants who apply. You don't have to be on a low income or benefits, but you will need to pass our reference process which includes:

• Background checks with current and former landlords
• Anti-social behaviour checks
• Northumbria Police checks, where there is a good reason to do so
• A history of poorly managed tenancies, anti-social behaviour, rent arrears or criminal behaviour means that you won't qualify for the scheme
• You'll also need to pass the Right to Rent checks to show that you have the right to rent a property in England. This applies to all applicants

If you pass the reference process, you can then apply to rent any of the listed accredited properties.

Tenant Deposit Guarantee

If you're struggling to find the deposit required to rent a property, then you can also apply for our Tenant Deposit Guarantee scheme.

Next steps

If you're interested in applying for the Tenant Matching Scheme, please complete the Tenant Matching Scheme application form. We will then request your identification documents and start the referencing process.

Please see our list of accepted forms of identification.

If you have any questions or need more help, please contact us by emailing privatesectorhousing@sunderland.gov.uk or call us during normal working hours on 0191 520 5551.

Landlords

If you are a landlord, please read the Tenant Matching Scheme - information for landlords.