want to move but scared about credit check

berkshirelady

Hi everyone,

I've rented for 20 years and have never defaulted on rent or other priority creditors, e,g Council tax and Utility bills. However, after my ex left 3 years ago and rendered me homeless, I have been struggling to keep up with non-priority debts and defaulted on monthly payments a few times, before seeking help from CAB, and now, CCCS. CCCs are putting a debt management plan in place for me, and I have a decent surplus to pay this, and a full-time permanent job.

However, the rent market has completely changed in recent years, and I'm worried that I am screwed. once upon a time, 6 months of pay slips, bank statements and a good reference from your landlord was enough. These days it's £400 holding deposit, oodles of charges and a credit check that I have to pay for.

My current flat is very cold and damp in winter, and I despair of getting the landlord to sort it out (I have lived here for 2 years). I really want to move somewhere else for the same rent, but am really worried about chucking 100's down the drain that I can't afford in agents fees, because my credit rating isn't spot on.

Am I really doomed, or is there hope?!

comments welcome, thank you.

beccad

Have you looked at your credit file? I don't know anything about the scores, but if you have a look at it and ask advice here then I'm sure someone will be able to advise.

I don't know how fussy some rental agencies are to be honest. I managed to rent a flat a few years ago whilst I was still in the probation period for my job, was permanently overdrawn, and my credit rating apparently wasn't good enough for a credit card with a £500 limit!