LHA - Finding a Landlord?

netgear11

I am looking to rent in the private sector and am eligible to a very minimal amount of LHA. But my job pas very little and while I have enough in savings to cover the cost of a reasonable deposit, I need to know what sort of documents that might be requested from an estate agent or landlord?

E.g. will they ask for my pay slips??

I'm stuck in two minds whether to tell them I'd be getting LHA as well, or to completely fail to include it in the question - whereby, if they DO ask for payslips, I'm screwed because they'll see I don't earn enough straight up for the rent.

So ultimately, I'm asking - what items/documents do landlords usually check/request?

Thanks!

churchrat

how do you plan to pay the rent?

netgear11

through the money I earn, topped up with the minimal LHA I am eligible for.

It's all in my OP...

amberowl28

Different ll's ask for different things some may do no checks, just ask about job and income (this is rare). Others will want to see banks statements, do full credit check etc. Ones requiring most checks are often done through an agency, these are also more likely to be landlords who do things by the book. See tenant's guide in house selling, buying and renting section. Also don't advise lying about lha.

netgear11

what if a LL/LA asks for bank statements and you refuse - do they deny renting you the property?

[Deleted User]

netgear11 wrote: »

what if a LL/LA asks for bank statements and you refuse - do they deny renting you the property?

Depends on the Landlord, some will some wont. Some want to see masses of documents, including bank statements & wage slips. If you cant/wont show they wont rent, especially if they say they dont accept HB / LHA.

As for the LA yes they can refuse to assess your claim if you refuse to show documents they might ask for because they do not have all the information they need to make the assesment and can assume by your refusal you are hiding something ie savings.

netgear11

Okay, after some research and having spoken to a few Estate Agents - it seems a lot of them have the pretty standard "references pack" of sorts, that costs us (the tenant) about £45-£50 and includes credit, character and employer references.

Could anyone explain a little more about how these checks work and who executes them?

GettingStraight_3

The credit check will usually be similar to one you would undergo if you took out a bank loan or finance for a car etc. Someone like Experian etc provide those to the LL or Agent.

In my experience, the employer references would be requested from whomever you put on the form as a contact at your work. Usually an HR department or whoever "does the wages" where you work. I think they ask if you actually are employed there and how long you have been there for. I don't think they are allowed to ask how much you are paid. Having said that, most of these forms from LLs or Agents also ask for proof of income and/or bank statements.

Character reference again is whoever you put on the form. There's usually a stipulation that they must have known you for a certain period of time. IMO character references are generally not worth the paper they're written on as mostly anyone can ask a mate to put something favourable on a reference for them...

netgear11

Hi guys, just a quick follow-up.

So i realise that bank statement/pay-slip checks are pretty common place across the board.

However, I am still unwilling to disclose such in-depth financial info. and wondered if, as a substitute, the policy on using a named guarantor? Said guarantor would be willing to divulge all necessary information and be subject to any required checks etc.

Would this be an option ??

Thanks as always!

[Deleted User]

Not really an option because yes they will check them but will also still want to carry out all the checks on you. The landlord wouldnt rely on 'your say so' that you can afford to pay the rent because claiming unpaid rent, deposits and beakages from the guarantor is a last option and they want it to stay that way.

If you can not afford to rent why not find somewhere cheaper or share with someone?

netgear11

that sucks that landlords/LA's are turning down people strictly on the basis that they are uneasy about disclosing such sensitive and confidential information...

Isn't there ANY way around it?

I thought the guarantor idea would have sufficed in most cases???