Renting - proof of res - URGENT!

katebl

Hi if anyone can help I'd really appreciate it -

A month ago myself and my partner got approval to rent a flat through a letting agent, today I got a call to ask what time on Tuesday we wanted to go in and collect the keys, then they said "by the way we need a utility bill or a bank statement proving your address from between Jan and April this year". This would be fine except I don't get paper statements from my bank, had 2 store cards which I closed since then and shredded all the statements, and I currently live at home with my parents so don't have any utilities in my name.
I am now in a total panic as they've said we can't have the keys if I can't provide this - what can I do five days before we move? Why the hell did they not ask for this at the time of referencing? Why is the timescale so specific? (I have an annual savings statement but that's for July*.
The referencing agency is FCC Paragon - why do they need this if I'm on the electoral register? I'm so angry, the agent has been rubbish all the way through and now this.
Literally all I have is a car insurance renewal letter during this period - two letters from my insurer in fact - is there any hope this will suffice? My bank wants at least 6 working days to send out a paper statement which would have been fine if I'd known when they credit checked me but I've got no hope now!
Can anyone with experience advise, is it worth ringing the referencing company and explaining - or is it the agency asking for this? I'm at my wits end so sorry for rambling! :mad:

tbs624

They want paying tenants just as much as you want the flat. Just ring them and calmly ask why they need it for that particular date (proof of residency is normally asked for if you were/are not on the electoral register at that address) then explain why you can't give them a council tax bill and ask what they recommend in its place.

Many LAs are inefficient and are indeed , as you say, "rubbish": no training, no regulation, often no qualifications and no common sense

Here's a list of ID docs used for CRB checks - may trigger some alternative possibilities .http://www.crb.gov.uk/pdf/crb11%20guidance.pdf

Have you already signed the contract btw?

And whilst you're feeling cheesed off with LAs see here:http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1136079

katebl

No we're due to sign Tuesday - I'm going to ring the ref company tomorrow - I have a driving license, payslips, passport, NI card, insurance certificate, and have been on the electoral register here for 4 years - I'm just stumped as to why it'd be Jan - April. I've replied to your thread already - thanks so much for your advice. The tenant in there moves out Saturday - I doubt the letting agent or the ref company care that they couldn't get anyone else in there before then! If all else fails the tenant gave us the Landlord's mobile - I may have to call and beg.
The annoying thing is, they made out my credit, refs, etc were hunky dory, my partner had 1 late payment and now we're paying a huge chunk of his rent upfront - and after all that they hit us with this!