Estate Agent Renting - Credit Checks

T4i

Hey,

I've finally found a property this weekend that I plan on renting, however as I've never rented other than private before I'm just trying to get clued up on if I will have any problems renting from Estate Agents...

I've just done a credit check via CreditExpert website and got a score of 889 which is in the good bracket. Do you think I will pass the credit check done on me by the estate agent I'm planning on renting with??

I was very shocked when the estate agent showed my round the property and said they charge me £95 for a credit check which is non-refundable!!! Gosh I basically need £995 before I've even moved in fully but I've got together the money needed to get me started. Just worried that i'll pay £95 for this credit check and i'll get told my credit score isn't good enough while waving goodbye to my £95.

Any other tips with renting from estate agents? I've just read the application form and it mentions I must provide evidence that I have contents insurance, any advice on this? Where to get it from etc?

I'm very excited but also trying not to get my hopes up as the guy who showed me around said there are two other couples interested in it - so I would like to get my application form in Monday if possible,

Cheers,
Chris

iluvmarmite

As far as I am concerned EA's are nothing but rip off merchants, you and two other couples are interested, they will take £95 of all three of you, dont know if you are single, but maybe they double it for a couple if they have to check both peoples credit file, obviously two will be turned down so thats at least £195 the EA has made for something that costs £2!

And then a lot of them make horrendous charges for taking up references with employers or banks, and of course the LL has to pay them for taking charge of the property.

I think, if at all possible, its best to look through the local papers and get a private let through the landlord only and cut out the estate agent or property management company

flappy_mcwarbucks

That is pretty steep for something that costs them pennies to do. Last time i was Credit Checked with a Estate Agent, it was £50 per person. Then there was the additional cost for previous landlord, and employment checks.

Then there was the Administration costs on top of that.

But i have heard that estate agents are getting tenants to have contents insurance (that insures the landlords white goods only) and of course, you have to get it through them.

I'd do what iluvmarmite says, and deal directly with landlords.