Private tenancy

bubbse1

Hello everyone out there
We are desperate!!

We have been renting a house through an agent for nearly 7 years. For the first 4 years we signed contracts of 2 years each. The landlord then changed the agent and the new agent put us on 1 yearly contact. (we have never signed a contract with the new agent)......then about a year ago the new agent sent asked us to sign a new yearly contract. At the time my husband was away on business and we were 3 days late signing and we were put on a periodic tenancy. I asked the landlord if he had any intention of asking us to leave and he said no. Consequently last week we were served with papers giving us 2 months notice. Whilst we have to accept this we have a added problem of failing a credit check and being asked to pay around £300 to have checks done which we know will fail. We cannot find anyone who will take our reference of nearly 7 years in one property with no arrears etc.

Please can anyone help because we are so desperate and worried sick that we will be homeless.

Thanks

G_M

the new agent put us on 1 yearly contact.

No they didn't. The agent works for the landlord, so the LL put you on 1 year contract.

we have never signed a contract with the new agent

Why should you? Your contract is with the landlord. The agent is just that - an 'agent' for the LL.

we were served with papers giving us 2 months notice.

Do you pay rent monthly? If so, your periodic tenancy is a monthly one, for which the LL needs to give you 2 months notice.

being asked to pay around £300 to have checks done

Asked by whom? Your existing LL or his agent? If so, why? since he's given you Notice. Or do you mean by a new LL to whom you are applying?

asked the landlord if he had any intention of asking us to leave and he said no.

There seems to be a misunderstanding/breakdown in communication. I would speak directly to the LL if I were you, and make sure the agent is doing what the LL actually wants.

bubbse1

Thank you for your replys

Obviously I didnt explain myself very well....probably all the stress!!

We accept that we have to leave the property and we accept that the landlord only has to give us 2 months. Our problem is that we have a very poor credit score and will not pass the credit checks. Agents are asking from £25 per head to £300 (joint) to take up references. We know that we will fail so we are looking for landlords that we can go to direct as we have excellent references from renting for years.

I hope I made myself clearer!!

G_M

1) Keep trying agents but be upfront about the problem. Agents may have some LLs on their books who will consider you.

2) Use the local paper, call private LLs direct, and again, be upfront.

3) In both cases, if you can offer either to pay 6 months rent up front and/or a guarantor (eg parent with a good credit rating willing to pay any rent you miss), then agents / LLs will look more favourably on you as they have more secrurity if you get into problems.

4) Try the council - I believe they have lists of private LLs willing to take those on benefits....?