renting - credit checks and references

Caroline1987

Hi,
we are looking to move to another rented house, we have been in our current house just over 4 years. when we moved in here I was working full time, my husband is self employed and has always had quite a low wage.
now we have 2 children I am a SAHM, my husband is now running 2 businesses and one is now fairly well established.
we have just paid the money for credit checks and references to start and im nervous we will miss out. does anyone know how it works? im happy with credit checks as I paid my loan with a lumpsum when made redundant and any other debts (small credit card and Next account) are always kept low and paid on time. what worries me is the references, they will be speaking to my husbands accountant and not sure what they will ask, last financial year l was still quite a low figure, where-as this financial year will be a fair bit more, but the accountant only does the books once a year so obviously hasn't yet seen this year. will it be taken into account that we are nearly a year since it was done?
will they speak to current landlady? as at least she could give a good reference for us.
I was thinking of putting a letter in with our reference forms with more detail of income too, do you think this will benefit at all?

sorry long post, I just really want this house and I know we can afford it, im just nervous about it all.

john539

Caroline1987 wrote: »

will they speak to current landlady? as at least she could give a good reference for us.

When you move, may be worth getting written reference from your current landlady for future to keep, so you have history to hand if you need in future.

It's good to keep previous references (not just current landlord) as you never know if you'll need in future & you don't really want to go tracking down & contacting old previous landlords from years earlier.
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rentergirl

You can reassure yourself by checking your credit reference online - it costs just a few quid, and it's what the agents use (although they charge about £100 usually!) The landlady reference is a good thing to use and keep. Good luck!

tbs624

rentergirl wrote: »

You can reassure yourself by checking your credit reference online - it costs just a few quid, and it's what the agents use (although they charge about £100 usually!) The landlady reference is a good thing to use and keep. Good luck!

The LA/LL's third party referencing checks apparently do not see what you see on your own record.

Many LLs will not simply accept a "to whom it may concern" written reference from a previous LL - they generally prefer to follow it up direct.

OP -as we're not far off the end of the tax year, presumably your other OH can give some ball park figures to the accountant? Depending on what the accountant can verify/what the LA/LL will accept, you *may* be asked to pay rent upfront. If this proves to be the case make sure you ask questions about who will be holding the rent and whether the LL has a BTL mortgage, owns the property outright or has sought CTL. Is the LA registered with ARLA, NALs etc? ( code of conduct in place)

The fact that you have been in one rental for 4 years should stand you in good stead though. Have you asked your current LL, as a matter of courtesy, whether she is happy to be contacted by the potential new one/their LA?