Credit score affected by debts at my address?

kristiewest

Was at the bank today applying for a credit card when I mentioned that the owner of the house I live in has unpaid debts with a collection company after him, though I have none. I was warned that this could show up on my credit score (being at the same address) and affect it. Is this true?

cifpower

No its not

MoneyMuppet_2

best way to find out is check your own score and why it is what it is.
it goes by name and address if youre not linked to this person (partner etc)you should be fine.

TrickyDicky

They may show up as a link to you - but as long as they clearly have nothing to do with you - there shouldnt be a problem.

robin_banks

You might have to do a bit of ringing around, there was a couple of ccj's against the former occupant of a house I bought a few years ago. He was dead at the time so I suspected he didn't care !.

CLAPTON

get copies of your credit files from all three agencies
if there is any link with the previous occupant then write to the agencies asking them to remove any links.

Moggles_2

Credit ratings assess people, not dwellings. If you share a financial product (eg. joint bank a/c) with someone else, then you are financially linked to them and so their poor management of their own affairs could have a knock-on effect on your own finances and your credit rating, but simply occupying the same house as someone with a poor credit history, past or present, has no effect whatsoever, so don't let this distract you from tackling the things that matter.

It's a good idea to check your credit reports. After all, this is the information UK lenders see when you apply for new credit facilities. For help, see page 1 of the *How to obtain credit reports* sticky

For tips to improve your chances of credit card acceptance, have a look at the *Credit Rating: how it works and how to improve it guide*, especially Martin's *Manage and Improve your credit score* article

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score#improve