Data protection breach?

MortgageMamma

Hi

I wonder if someone here could help? me and my (new) partner have recently applied to rent a house together. I got a call from the letting agents this afternoon saying my references have come back fine but my partner has two unsatisfied CCJ's of x amount and it could cause a problem.

I didn't know about the CCJs and its caused a bit of a row. I'm sure we'll sort it but I'm annoyed with the letting agency - surely they should have spoken to my partner about that not me?

Am I right in thinking they have breached the data protection act ?

MM

theartfullodger

they have breached the data protection act

- probably, although you may have signed something on the application form saying anything found about one punter can be told to t'other punter...

However, even if they have what do you do?? Sue them (more publicity for the lad in court, a public place remember...

- and CCJs are, surely, public documents anyway and (in theory) if anyone had enough time they could find out who had CCjs in any court this month for the whole of Engerland....

The more interesting question is (apologies but it occurs to me ..) if he ain't told you about that, what else....

Cheers!

Lodger

G_M

Yes.
(unless perhaps you each signed a joint disclaimer when agreeing to the credit search - unlikely). but how was the agent to tell you there was a problem with your application, but no problem with your own reference?
And frankly what are you really angry about? The fact that the agent told you? Finding out your partner has CCJs? The fact that you may have a problem with the letting?

I should focus on sorting the upset to your relationship and the letting application.

Auzelia

The data protection act would forbid him to pass on any information regarding your partner, but as it was a joint application this could mean that due to the circumstances (joint application) he would be allowed to inform you of such information.

theartfullodger

MortgageMamma wrote: »

Hi

I wonder if someone here could help? me and my (new) partner have recently applied to rent a house together. I got a call from the letting agents this afternoon saying my references have come back fine but my partner has two unsatisfied CCJ's of x amount and it could cause a problem.

I didn't know about the CCJs and its caused a bit of a row. I'm sure we'll sort it but I'm annoyed with the letting agency - surely they should have spoken to my partner about that not me?

Am I right in thinking they have breached the data protection act ?

MM

Perhaps time to delete the original post??

Cheers!

Lodger

Jowo_2

I don't know the legal position on this one but if they had said to you 'We've processed your references, we cannot proceed with your tenancy application and for data protection reasons we cannot supply you with a reason why you've spent admin fees unnecessarily' how would you have felt about their vagueness.

Instead you might be writing a post like

'Ive spent hundreds of pounds on letting agency fees and holding deposit, only for them to refuse me accommodation, telling me to speak to my partner about it and keeping me in the dark. It's a joint tenancy agreement, surely they can tell me why it's not going ahead...'.

MortgageMamma

theartfullodger wrote: »

Perhaps time to delete the original post??

Cheers!

Lodger

lol don't worry I already know he's an axe murderer and worships the devil!:eek:

silvercar

I'd be more annoyed with the partner than the letting agency. Why did he let you waste money on application fees if he knew he had CCJs?