Renting Property - Credit Check

monkeymatt76

Hi

I have a query regarding the credit check used by letting companies when renting a property.

My girlfriend and I rented a property in April through a private landlord who never asked us for permission to perform a credit check so assuming it wasn't done.

I have had issues in the past with debt which i am now well on top of, i've had no CCJ's but had some defaults on a loan some years ago (the loan is now settled and according to my credit report due to come off my file in October 2013).

I was having a look at my credit report and my credit score is very low and i know i'd be turned down instantly for any loans etc. However my public score is (according to the credit report company) above average sitting at almost 900.

Anyway my girlfriend and i are contemplating moving when our lease is up in April next year to another rented property (hopefully nearer our respective works). I was wondering if we went through a letting company and they do a credit check would they see my credit score for lenders or my public score? Also would a joint lease then show her as a financal assosciate on my credit file?

Thanks for any advice.

Matt

Fire_Fox

Welcome! Credit scores are largely meaningless, each institution has its own scoring system. Look at the report as a whole - are you on the electoral register, are all your bank accounts at the correct address, are there any errors? Do you have any well managed credit arrangements now like a mobile phone contract? Have you checked both Experian and Equifax?

Can you get a guarantor or offer six months rent up front? BTW your AST does not automatically end next April, only the fixed term does so you would need to serve notice on your landlord unless you leave by the last day of the fixed term.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score