Renting with a poor credit history

hopeless_and_skint

Hi - has anyone got any advice on how to rent if you have a poor credit history ?
My husband and I have 4 kids and are in serious financial trouble - soon to be going bankrupt and as a result losing our house.
We are looking for somewhere to rent but are concerned that all the agencies run a credit check and so we don't stand a chance.
We both work and can easily afford the rent etc so the payments aren't an issue but our previous credit history is going to cause us trouble we think - has anyone any experience of this ???:eek: :eek: :eek:

picklepick

i rent and the only check they did with us was with the bank that your rent will be coming out of. they check that your monthly income is enough to cover your rent. i think you'll be fine im pretty certain they dont contact credit companies. try not to worry about it.

also forgot to add, if it is going to be an issue, finding someone to be a guarantor for you is another option. my dad does this for my sister

misspoppy

Hi You could try looking for private rents they don't do any credit checks and are usually more flexible. Thats how we rent.

iolanthe07

You may be required to pay the first six months' rent up front.

Wolfsbayne

Housing associations dont do credit checks (well, sutton homes dont) and as you have kids and could potentially end up 'homeless' if made bankrupt/house reposessed etc, you should clock up enough points to get on a waiting list. It's worth finding out which associations are in your area and apply (they can only say no).

hopeless_and_skint

Thanks - I know that the agency we're currently using is going to do a credit check as well as a bank check. Maybe I just need to try the housing associations - any idea how I find out where these are ?

Wolfsbayne

Just do a google search for uk housing associations and see where they are. I believe your council should know which ones are in your area. This is the website for sutton homes which are excellent. The houses are kept in a good state of repair with double glazing, etc. I've lived in a flat with them for three years now and previously with my parents in a house for 17 years and can't complain.

http://www.williamsutton.org.uk/

robin_banks

You shouldn't have too much of a problem , some LL's may insist on it though, you will almost certainly need to prove ID, as this will ensure you are eligible to work/claim benefit in the UK.

TBH you will find it very difficult (i.e. impossible) to get a LA/HA place if in employment.

Wolfsbayne

robin_banks wrote: »

You shouldn't have too much of a problem , some LL's may insist on it though, you will almost certainly need to prove ID, as this will ensure you are eligible to work/claim benefit in the UK.

TBH you will find it very difficult (i.e. impossible) to get a LA/HA place if in employment.

I was employed when I was offered my flat so thats not strictly true. You accumulate points depending on your circumstances, children give you a lot of points for a start. As soon as you are made homeless or about to be your points will shoot up. So they dont say no intially although they may say your points arent enough but they do add up as times goes on and then as you are fearing if re-possession is started you may well have enough points and be offered something.

In fact, the majority of people on the housing estate I live on are in full time employment (council is a different matter altogether).