Do not know the procedures of renting property in UK. What to I have to look out for? What’s my rights? Thanx!

I am looking at renting property , i have been told that i need references to let the property ? what type are they and what are the chances of getting turned down ?
The house that i am looking at , there were people wanting it before me but there references got turned down and i am now starting to think if i might get turned down too !! help please !!
yes i have rented a few houses and never missed a payment . I have a good bank account , but im self employed and i dont have the best credit history . not bad but not great !! “fair” i would say

slanted ceilings upstairs will not certify us. The house has been on the market for over 2 years and still has not sold. I would like to know who I can talk to to decide what the right course is. I need answers! We still owe on the property but I feel that if at all possible it would be best if we could move before the house is sold because it would sell faster. We are asking $18,000.00 We owe $19,176.45 or something like that anyway. I need to know if it would be a good decision to be open to someone renting the property, as in rent-to-own or something like that or if since I still owe on the property I have to wait until it is sold?