Renting - Credit Checks

Watalie

Please can someone confirm for me, when you are checked for renting, what can the Agents see on the credit check?

I have a very old satisfied CCJ (from Dec 2005) on my file. It's an old debt that my ex husband left me with (very long story).

Im worried if it will affect my ability to rent a property - has anyone got any idea how detrimental this may be?

Thanks

N79

It might, it will depend on whether the LL is worried about a satisfied CCJ from 6 years ago. The best advice is to be up front and discuss it with prospective LL's as:

1. We hate surprises as we always wonder what else the prospective T is hiding.
2. It saves you spending money on fees when there is no hope of being offered the property.

It will also depend on if the LL wants to insure the tenancy against default as then you will also need to meet the LL's insurance criteria (which you probably wont).

Finally, the good news is that it will probably drop of your credit record in Dec 2011.

Watalie

Thanks, I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get a reply.

Yes, I know it will drop off in 8 months time, not that I am counting or anything it's frustrating I have been left with a debt legacy of my ex husbands.

I guess like you say, i just need to be upfront and hopefully they will be ok. I've always paid my rent on time every month for as long as I have been renting & can provide LL references, bank statements etc. And we earn enough to cover the rent a few times over.

G_M

The best thing to do is check your own credit records!

For £2 each you can check your files at the 3 agencies: Equifax, Experian, Callcredit.

Or read here for more details. There are also ways to check free buy signing up for 3 months free on-line access followed by a paid-for product. But remember to cancel before the 3 months is up.

Watalie

Thanks - I already have access to all 3.

moromir

Do you have a certificate of satisfaction for the CCJ that its been settled? These are issued by the court that issued the CCJ and you can write and apply for one. If a referencing company flags the CCJ then the certificate is the documentation you need to prove it has been settled.

Watalie

moromir wrote: »

Do you have a certificate of satisfaction for the CCJ that its been settled? These are issued by the court that issued the CCJ and you can write and apply for one. If a referencing company flags the CCJ then the certificate is the documentation you need to prove it has been settled.

Yes, I'm pretty sure I do have that. It also shows as satisfied on all 3 credit reports.