Private landlords doing credit checks

nervousmother

I think its a growing trend for private landlords to do credit checks. They think by doing this they can get away with letting a property and cutting out the 'letting agent'
Search google for 'credit check your tenants' see how many it comes up with.
I know I work in a lettings agency, and you may think im bias but believe me I have seen 'private lets' go wrong all too often. Both from the tenants and landlords point of view. At least with a Agent you have more chance of getting things done, and from a legal point of view know the rights of both tenants and landlords.
I know its can be hard for BR's to get rentals, but Agencys will take you on. Be up front, you are in a better position if you can find a guarantor although this is not always necessary. We have just had a landlord accept a BR with only 1 extra months rent (to be kept on account at all times.. until they leave) If a property has been empty for 4 months or more the landlord will be much more likely to take a risk, and in these times we will be seeing much more empty properties.
It is a renters market. You are the customer. You have the upper hand. Never part with more than 6 months rent and ask to see proof that they are able to rent the property out.
Another problem that has popped up is when Landlords have had their properties repossessed. As agents we keep the 6 months rent and pay it to the landlord monthly, imagine where you would be if you had done that with a private let?

MercMan

Well just had phone call and he said no. The form he gave me authorised a Court enquiry for any CCJs etc. Anyway back to small adds. Anyone in the Bournemouth area who knows of real private landlords who want 14 months rent upfront!

Don't what to do now as I've always had my own property and never rented in my life.

betterlatethannever

Merc man..i'd be very careful of offering and giving so much money upfront.
What if the LL goes BR and has the house repossed? you'd lose all or most of your money and have little or no comeback.

Lensman_2

MercMan wrote: »

Well just had phone call and he said no. The form he gave me authorised a Court enquiry for any CCJs etc. Anyway back to small adds. Anyone in the Bournemouth area who knows of real private landlords who want 14 months rent upfront!

Don't what to do now as I've always had my own property and never rented in my life.

Don't let it get you dowm MercMan.

The score in my head right now is as follows:
BRs who have ben credit checked and dumped by a private LL 1-5 BRs who have got a private let with no messing at all.

You and I would both take on a BR because we both know we would get paid.

Anyway, the drains would have blocked up all the time and the tight fisted LL wouldn't have payed out to get them fixed so the right thing probably happened anyway.

Chin up MM, there's more to you than this.

Jim

Rictina

I wouldnt touch it with a barge pole. To pay up front 14 months is wrong, 6 months is enough, well too much really.

I would be enclined to be upfront with the Agent, or Landlord with regards to your Bankruptcy if this is the route you are taking, & offer 6 months upfront, or a guarantor if possible, or a larger deposit which could be held by the Letting agent, or a banks reference but make sure you dont have a massive O/D & in a bit of a pickle with.

My advice would be to walk well away from this bungalow though. What if this Landlord / Limited company goes belly up, you would loose all 14 months rent, dont risk it.

ATB.

Rictina

MercMan

Just contacted two other private LL and told them about my CCJs. "No problem at all" they said and I'm hoping to view some properties over the weekend.

Lensman_2

Result MM. I hope one (or both) are good enough to make a go of.

I echo betterlatethannever's post. Find some way to bank the extra rent because paying 14 months up front when an assured tenancy agreement is typically 6 months is very risky.

MercMan

Yes I will. I'm going to offer 6 months max.

So_Sad_Angel

Merlinexcalibur wrote: »

Good for you. And it has also highlighted/raised something which is concerning me now. Well, worrying me. That private landlords are carrying out 'credit checks' off their own bats with tennants. Sure there must be a news feature or documentary feature there somewhere to expose this practice ...

I guess the private landlords would say that they are just covering their own backs in this respect.

Having said that I think under Data Protection Act 1998 the landlord would have to get written authority from the tennant before that info could be sought.

k2nga

Yeah Mercman i have to say the norm for renting is 6 months upfront not 14. so i would not be pushed into that. I am over in Swanage stones throw from you and when i went to see the agent about my BR after i had started renting they were thankful for me letting them know and they helped us find a place in the new year as we had to move and that was with us on benefits as we are currently unemployed which is another hurdle in the BR game although at least i am now on the otherside after getting ED.