Credit Check when Renting?

oceanscape

We're hoping to rent a house for 6-12 months whilst the one we have just purchased is renovated.

My question is how strict the MARAS credit checks are? I am in FT employment and earn £40k/year but we have a lot of credit card debt (which is the reason we are moving - downsizing to pay it all off) and we have also missed an odd payment here and there. We have no CCJs/Defaults or anything like that, just the occasional missed payment. I've also recently applied for a couple of new 0% cards and been declined.

Do I need to be very concerned about failing the credit check? Some of the information I have read online suggests it isn't very strict, but I am still a little concerned.

Thanks!

Sammy85_2

Most of the credit checks we got on our tenants we poor, but they paid their deposit and a months rent in advance, proved their employment, and seem honest so i didnt have a problem with it.

Be honest with the LL before he runs the check, then he wont get a shock and run a mile.

secla

my letting agent told me aslong as you dont have ccjs or defaults you will be fine.

i think alot of it is down to how much risk the landlord is willing to accept

G_M

It will vary from agent to agent, and landlord to landlord. Some have very strict criteria and will not deviate, others are more flexible.

You'll potentially have a better chance dealing direct with a LL rather than an agent - some don't do credit checks, and some will be flexible about the results if they are convinced you'll be a good tenant.

But that generalisation doesn't always hold true.

Oh - and the missed payments etc will show up on a thorough check.

Be honest up front cos applying and having the checks done will cost you money, so try to find out the LL/agent's policy to save yourself the cost.

Or get written into your initial agreement when you pay for the check that if it shows up nothing you haven't already declared, they'll either give you the tenancy or refund your fee..... mind you that'll be hard to get them to agree to.....