Repatriating and Renting

Exile

Hi all,

I've said it before and I'll say it again- this site is an outstanding resource and I thank everyone who has contributed.

I've been abroad for 9 years now and am THINKING about going back to the UK this year. If i go back I plan to have a job lined up, but I have some concerns about renting property- I'm in asia now and 2 months deposit plus the first month'rsrent is enough to put any landlord at ease here- but It seems that in the UK I have to show the landlord the gusset of my Calvin Kleins and submit you a credit check before I can rent a place to live (then have my deposit stolen and a bunch of charges thrown in at the end of the contract).

Supposing I go back, bearing in mind I have ZERO credit history since I've been away for 9 years. What are my chances of getting somewhere to live? Has anyone done this?

Jowo_2

An alternative and opposite scenario is someone with no credit history rents a place, trashes it far in excess of the measly deposit and throws in a bunch of arrears before the end of the contract...

Risky tenants can be asked to pay 6 months rent upfront or provide a guarantor.

theartfullodger

a) Talk to letting agents/landlords, explain your position (openly & honestly), offer to pay more up-front, provide reference that you will have a job (or copy of offer letter) and find a guarantor... who will be daft enough to guarantee your rent/damages until such time as the tenancy ends...

b) Get active on the social scene, find a mate/toy-boy/young-lady and move in with them... (may or may not be cheaper...)

Cheers!

Lodger

kunekune

We weren't looking in London, admittedly. Came back after nearly 20 years in New Zealand. Destination West Yorkshire. I had a job already sorted, OH didn't . Managed to find somewhere to live over the internet. No references, he googled us, found out quite a bit, we did the same. Paid the deposit without seeing the house. It was great, he was a good landlord. Biggest hassle was setting up a bank account to pay rent. And OH got a job, children found school and before/after club. In many ways it was the easiest move we've every done!!!

Britwife

We moved here 3 years ago after my husband was away for 4 years and we had to pay 6 months up front plus deposit. The EA wanted a credit check which we knew we wouldn't pass due to absence but the LL said it didn't matter. We're still in that house 3 years later.

Geenie

Exile wrote: »

Hi all,

I've said it before and I'll say it again- this site is an outstanding resource and I thank everyone who has contributed.

I've been abroad for 9 years now and am THINKING about going back to the UK this year. If i go back I plan to have a job lined up, but I have some concerns about renting property- I'm in asia now and 2 months deposit plus the first month'rsrent is enough to put any landlord at ease here- but It seems that in the UK I have to show the landlord the gusset of my Calvin Kleins and submit you a credit check before I can rent a place to live (then have my deposit stolen and a bunch of charges thrown in at the end of the contract).

Supposing I go back, bearing in mind I have ZERO credit history since I've been away for 9 years. What are my chances of getting somewhere to live? Has anyone done this?

You couldn't buy a car, sofa or computer here without a credit check, unless paying in cash of course........so why you think it is unreasonable to have one done for a property worth thousands of pounds, and to allow you to have entry to it without any record of paying your bills doesn't make sense!

You don't have to go through a letting agent, but any private LL with their heads on will also do a credit check, and if no history will want 6 months rent and a deposit up front. I would prepare for the worse, and if it doesn't happen then you have done well. Also, not all LL's are out to rip their tenants off, just as all tenants are not the saints they are often portrayed to be on here.

PasturesNew

You might find it easier to find a private house-share/lodger scenario to move into in the first instance, while you find your feet. The UK's changed while you've been gone and that way you're not tied down so much if the area's not as good as you thought/it used to be.

Exile

Thanks for the input, everyone.

The only reason I think it is reasonable, Geenie, is that I've been renting property with ease for the past 9 years in 3 different Asian countries- and I would add that there isn't anything like the same impression of the dreaded landlord that exists exists back home- It's so deep into the culture that there's sitcoms about it in whch the landlord is a complete 'b'stard!

I was a far wosrt risk when I was a student but I'm pretty sure I didn't get credit checked back then.

6 monthsup front? If that's what it takes then fine- I just wanted to know what had to be done in my circumstances. Plus I'm coming back with my fiance and 3 dogs so I have to do my research

All this research into going home has been interesting and I have to admit that it has dug up some old sentiment about why I left to begin with- and EVERYONE keeps saying ''things have changed here over the past few years". What exactly has changed I wonder- it sounds kind of scary to be honest.

Britwife

Do you still have family here? My husband's family lived nearby and they are the one's who did all the legwork and made arrangements to get the lease sorted for us. We signed the lease while still in the states by fax.

The estate agent our ll worked with was Taylor Bourne and they are the ones who told our LL to do a credit check. Our LL just said no, they would take us. Maybe it was because we paid 6 months in advanced plus a month and half deposit. Basically, any LL is going to want to do a credit check.

I would come prepared with all your rental information from where you are to at least offer some background. Maybe offer to cover the cost of the call to asia to talk to your current LL. It may come down to needing a co-signer to get you started.

I do have to agree with how you feel about the whole process of renting here in the UK. First month's rent and deposit is usually enough to rent in the states as well. And if you need a credit check there, it's only about 40 bucks.

BitterAndTwisted

Things have changed in the UK in the last nine years? Well, the economy's gone down the lavvy for a start! To see the very worst representation (or dishonest, depends on your point of view) of anything that's happening back here just buy a copy of the Daily Mail. Erm OK, don't do that or you might resolve never to return ever again.

You never know, depending on what industry you're working in and at what level you could find a new employer might be willing to offer a package including supplying accommodation for the first few months. This might be long enough for you to regularise your circumstances here a bit.

jfed

Exile wrote: »

Thanks for the input, everyone.

The only reason I think it is reasonable, Geenie, is that I've been renting property with ease for the past 9 years in 3 different Asian countries- and I would add that there isn't anything like the same impression of the dreaded landlord that exists exists back home- It's so deep into the culture that there's sitcoms about it in whch the landlord is a complete 'b'stard!

I was a far wosrt risk when I was a student but I'm pretty sure I didn't get credit checked back then.

6 monthsup front? If that's what it takes then fine- I just wanted to know what had to be done in my circumstances. Plus I'm coming back with my fiance and 3 dogs so I have to do my research

All this research into going home has been interesting and I have to admit that it has dug up some old sentiment about why I left to begin with- and EVERYONE keeps saying ''things have changed here over the past few years". What exactly has changed I wonder- it sounds kind of scary to be honest.

I dont think you have anything to worry about. Its just all in the negotiation. I would defo go in in person if possible to see your letting agent/landlord as person to person is always best for doing a deal. Let them know your situation. I personally think your dogs are going to be a bigger problem than you. As long as you provide a bond and maybe a guarantor you will have no problem.