Renting and changed name

laroche84

I did a little bit of advice, i have recently changed my surname due to my folks married and didnt want my previous surname. However due to work i have got to re-locate, and have found an ideal place to rent.

What concerns me is that I have poor credit including a CCJ, these are still in my old name, although i do have a driving license in my new name.

I am earning well enough to pay the rent and other utilities, but it concerns me the credit check and will this hinder my chance of getting a flat? as i need to move ASAP. Is it worth being up front with the estate agents, or taking my chances. PLEASE HELP???

Yorkie1

If you are asked questions regarding your credit history, or whether you have ever had any different names, and you lie then you are committing fraud. Don't even go there is my view.

Jowo_2

Some landlords will provide a tenancy to someone with a poor credit history if they can provide a guarantor or pay 6 months rent upfront. Much better to man up and accept the constraints you face rather than think that you can walk away from them under a new identity. Anyone can change their surname but the use of a changed surname must not be to deceive.

Most landlords undertake comprehensive tenant screening which involves verifying previous addresses through the electoral register and check their credit history. This will flag up discrepancies when they cannot link you to the old addresses under your new name or find any recent credit history. The purpose of these checks is to verify the information given on the tenancy application form is actually true. They will sometimes require photo ID. You can get an idea of what they look for by reading the Tenant Verify website.

http://www.tenantverify.co.uk/basic_search.htm
http://www.tenantverify.co.uk/comprehensive.htm

laroche84

thanks Jowo, thats really good advice, i'll check that site, by no means do i want to decieve anyone, im just concerned with my new name and my credit history