Estate Agent Credit Check

AM1981_2

Hi

I was wondering if someone could let me know how detailed credit checks are which are done by estate agents? I am hoping to rent a new flat with my boyfriend but I have two defaults on my credit report - would these effect itor would they just be looking for ccjs? The estate agent mentioned it is a "small" credit check- so not sure what that means.

Also, alternatively, would it be legal for my boyfriend to rent the flat solely and for me to just stay there, to get around this?

Thanks for reading :-)

AM

ruggedtoast

They either use a referencing agency to give them a yes or no, they have different criteria depending , or they check your credit score and decide themselves. You cant really fail a credit check as such.

Please be very careful about handing over any type of holding deposit if youre not sure the deal is going ahead. Estate agents are leeches and will happily take a weeks rent off you, tell you youve failed the credit check and then refuse to refund it.

You may want to insist that you have in writing that the deposit will be refunded if they dont proceed based on the check. Theyll squeal that itll have to stay on the market and will go in a second but a lot of the time its bluster.

Edit - you would need to go on the tenancy but if youre not responsible for any of the rent you wont need a check. His salary will have to be high enough to handle the rent on his own adnd theyll check this.

tbs624

Have look here , here or here for examples of what is included in these reports.

Most LLs will insist that all occupants over 18 years old are signatories on the Tenancy Agreement: it is also in your own interest that you are.

Edit: RuggedToast makes a very good point about deposits.

AM1981_2

Thanks for your advice :-)

Having looked at all links it appears they will deinately not approve my applicaion as 2 mentions defaults- the last does not seem too but I it appears they are looking for these thngs an it would be a reasoon to refuse.

I suppose I will have to try the route suggested by ruggedtoast - althogh I am afraid this will make them suspicious if I insist on not being credit checked -any ideas?

Thanks again- much appretiated! :-)

AM

Premier_2

AM1981 wrote:

...Also, alternatively, would it be legal for my boyfriend to rent the flat solely and for me to just stay there, to get around this?...

If you want to stay at the flat you'll need to be on the TA.

If your bf has such a good credit profile as to pay the rent on his own, then the LA may allow the tenancy to go ahead irrespective of your poor credit profile as the bf would be jointly & severally liable meaning the LA could make him pay for the rent and any other monies due.

Alternatively, the LA may accept a financial guarantor for you. Obviously the guarantor would need to pass the LA's credit checks too.