Rental referencing

Jon81 · 14 April 2015 at 2:18PM

Wondered if any dfw'ers have had any recent experiences in renting. I'm a bit scared by the application process as I fear they'll laugh me out the door. What are your experiences and an tips you could share I don't have ccjs but will shortly have a default as well as arrangement to pay markers and the usual issues on credit file associated with why we're all here.

Need to get a bigger place for my family and the equity will help not only fund the deposit but get a better Handle on the amount I have outstanding.

I also worry with the fees involved which are non refundable should they say no, not only that should they say no id be homless

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Tixy · 14 April 2015 at 2:22PM

For a tenancy credit check the agent/landlord cannot see credit history information such as late payments/defaults/level of your debts.

They can only see CCJs, bankruptcy/IVA etc and whether you are on the electoral roll.

The only way they'd know about defaults etc is if you tell them (or hand them a copy of your own credit file - but obviously don't do that).

Jon81 · 14 April 2015 at 2:27PM

Tixy wrote: »

For a tenancy credit check the agent/landlord cannot see credit history information such as late payments/defaults/level of your debts.

They can only see CCJs, bankruptcy/IVA etc and whether you are on the electoral roll.

The only way they'd know about defaults etc is if you tell them (or hand them a copy of your own credit file - but obviously don't do that).

Thanks I've just looked at a lot of agents and they mention various checking companies used they all say they check public info but a few have also said they check for number of searches on file, balances ect wonder what to believe and what level of checks they can do. one company said they use info to generate a credit score with call credit:(

Tixy · 14 April 2015 at 2:30PM

Agents are often delibrately vague and will make their credit checks sound more thorough than they can possibly be.

They are not entitled to see credit account history etc or any score generated using your credit account history.

Jon81 · 14 April 2015 at 3:29PM

Thanks tixy helpful, wonder why these companies used by the rental agents are suggesting they can see more than they can. There's fairly high fees so don't want to pay them only to be old it's a no.

Tixy · 14 April 2015 at 3:34PM

Jon81 wrote: »

Thanks tixy helpful, wonder why these companies used by the rental agents are suggesting they can see more than they can. There's fairly high fees so don't want to pay them only to be old it's a no.

Makes the service seem more valuable to potential landlords,
May help justify the ridiculous fees they charge
May frighten a potential tenant in to telling them more info about their finances 'voluntarily'.

BlasphemousRumours · 14 April 2015 at 4:16PM

Read here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4980724

Trust me, I have an appalling credit history and I always pass tenancy credit checks. All they can see is your public information (so as Tixy said above - CCJs/IVA/bankruptcy and electoral roll information). They aren't lending you any money so have no right to see your private credit history or information.

rockm87 · 14 April 2015 at 5:27PM

between me and my DH we didnt have the greatest credit rating, but we were able to rent.

We paid £75 for both of us to get 'registered' by the agency which included the credit check (this was non refundable)

Once we were accepted we paid a month and half rent as a deposit (held by the government for safe return when you move out) and a months rent in advance for the property.

but check as different agencies offer different things.
Hope this helps!

PeacefulSlumber · 14 April 2015 at 8:14PM

Hi

Am i right in assuming you are selling your home to release equity and moving into the rented sector?

Until recently I was a local authority homelessness officer so thought I would chip in with some advice.

You mention that if you fail to secure a private rented property for some reason you would be facing homelessness with your family. If this is the case I strongly advise you to visit your council and discuss your situation with a housing officer before you sell your home.

You need to make them aware of your situation and what you plan to do to find out exactly what stance they would take if you become homeless down the line.

In the council where I worked, selling a property to release equity for debt repayment would have rendered you intentionally homeles and ineligible for any assistance in the event of homelessness, even if you have children. If you speak to a housing officer before hand at least you can make decisions in full possession of the facts.

Good luck and I certainly hope all works out for you. We had very similar debt levels to you 18 months ago and sold our house to climb out of the hole so I know it works, just make sure you have a water tight plan B.

lynns3cookies · 14 April 2015 at 11:30PM

Hi, sorry to hijack your thread but could I just ask a question to clarify? I lost my house which was repossessed a few years ago and my kids and I currently stay with my parents.

I have been dying to move to my own place but have feared being rejected due to my appalling credit history. I had one CCJ which was due to off at the end of March. Does this mean that any letting agency wouldn't have access to my credit file so I could potentially rent? I'm on a DMP which I have just started with step change and live in Scotland incase it differs up here....

Thanks in advance &#55357;&#56842;

sourcrates · 14 April 2015 at 11:46PM

lynns3cookies wrote: »

Hi, sorry to hijack your thread but could I just ask a question to clarify? I lost my house which was repossessed a few years ago and my kids and I currently stay with my parents.

I have been dying to move to my own place but have feared being rejected due to my appalling credit history. I had one CCJ which was due to off at the end of March. Does this mean that any letting agency wouldn't have access to my credit file so I could potentially rent? I'm on a DMP which I have just started with step change and live in Scotland incase it differs up here....

Thanks in advance ��

That's true yes, it's called a "soft search" they only have access to public information, not the personal details of your credit file.

Rental referencing

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