Renting after bankruptcy - help needed

solvent27

Hi all.

I decided to make the tough decision to declare myself bankrupt in June 2006 and was discharged 12 months later. Since then I've built my Experian credit report to a score over 800, obtain an overdraft, get a credit card with my bank etc - After years of difficulty, I've finally recovered...except for renting.

The problem is, I fail all reference checks with landlords even though it's been 5 years and 3 months since I was bankrupt. The even more frustrating thing, is that this hasn't affected me until this summer - I have moved and passed checks when renting in 2006, 2007 and 2009 with no problems at all. I should add, I have always been 100% upfront and honest about my bankruptcy. The most frustrating thing, is that the CCCS told me that I wouldn't have problems renting in future when I asked them as part of the decision-making process of declaring myself bankrupt.

I need to move in the next month or two as my current landlord has decided to sell up. The trouble is, I know I won't pass checks with letting agents, and there are very few adverts in my local paper from private landlords. Therefore, I'm at a loss as to what to do. Does anyone know any good websites etc that I could find landlords who are advertising properties to let privately, where a credit check wouldn't be required (I live in Hertfordshire)? Does anyone know if I have any other options?

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can offer.

seeya23

you could try http://www.gumtree.com/

Ineedaname

We usually just suggest gumtree, freeads, loot, local papers, local shop windows etc. etc. Some councils have a list of private landlords willing to take on benefits and they may also be OK with BR.

You could also try a web search on "private landlord hertfordshire" or "private lettings hertfordshire" to see if any sites pop up with private rentals on. There are various sites around the country, some nationwide but it's hit and miss which areas use them, others you need to do the specific area search to bring up.

Otherwise, try for the more independant letting agents who aren't beholden to a head office telling them who they can let to. As you were before, just be up front about it.

Good luck.

solvent27

Hi seeya23 and thanks for getting in touch. The problem is, for where I live, there are only 1 or 2 adverts for properties to rent each month, so there are hardly every any advertise on Gumtree :-(

NorthernOne

This is nearly the same circumstances I was in. I failed the checks but in light of my occupation (checked by the agency) salary, I was a good tenant. I ended up paying an extra month’s rent to the landlord. Its all down to the Landlord and tbh I don’t see how if you have a good history with your last landlord why your credit worthiness has anything to do with them. Its a very short sighted landlord who rejects people because of this imo.
Private landlords tend to be more accommodating than agencies, this is the first time I used an agency as I normally used private adds/Gumtree.

confuzzled7

It isn't always as bad as you imagine it might be. You might find it helpful to look at this thread where I outlined my worries (and the eventual outcome) of renting post-bankruptcy. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3439213

solvent27

Hi guys,

I thought I should share the outcome of my house move because it's a positive story, thank god!

Because my bankruptcy was over three years ago and I am discharged, I was passed completely clear by the referencing agency. I have done a lot of research and I can tell you that if your referencing company is Keysafe and your bankruptcy was 3 years + in the past, then you will pass the credit check. I have had problems with other referencing agencies like Call Credit and Maras (these are the most commonly used by letting agents).

So, I hope this helps - if you can work with a letting agent that uses Keysafe for referencing, you'll be absolutely fine