Obtaining a landlord reference

penthouse89

Hi All,

I seem to be having real trouble obtaining a landlord reference...

Firstly, I am a good tenant. Rent never late and my current LA have always been very happy when carrying out inspections, never asking me to do anything.

I have been sharing with a friend for the last two years, and now we are going our separate ways. He has managed to obtain a reference from our LA/Landlord, but for the life of them, they are dragging their heels for my reference.

I have given notice and am due to move out of my flat on Thursday (6th). My new LA are waiting for my landlord reference before I can get the keys for my new flat, and despite me chasing them, they aren't very forthcoming with it.

I am really concerned about over-running the tenancy or ending up with nowhere to live... I've already moved most of my furniture into storage because I was getting too nervous to leave it in the flat.

Is there anything I can do to make them release my reference? They gave my flatmate pretty quickly...

penthouse89

I know they don't have to, but they have agreed to.

However, if they don't do it soon, I won't be able to move out of the house when I said I would.

More to it, they've already given my mate one, who is listed as a joint tenant.

I've so far been calm and pleading, I don't like taking the aggressive approach, but I'm worried I'm going to be left with a flat full of stuff I can't move on to anywhere.

TrickyDicky101

penthouse89 wrote: »

...I don't like taking the aggressive approach, but I'm worried I'm going to be left with a flat full of stuff I can't move on to anywhere.

You would probably completely ruin your chances of a good reference if you were to take a more aggressive approach, so I wouldn't advise doing that, no matter how unfair you think the situation is.

Guest101

Have you signed and they accepted a tenancy on your new place? Have you paid your deposit (& possibly first monts rent)?

penthouse89

Deposit paid, first months rent is due on move in date, which will be as soon as the landlord reference is in, my credit check and employer reference have already been returned.

penthouse89

In addition, I've also paid the current LA £25+VAT for a reference.

Guest101

penthouse89 wrote: »

In addition, I've also paid the current LA £25+VAT for a reference.

?! You've paid for a reference. Wow, that's harsh by them. But if you've paid I'd suggest threatening small claims court action if not returned with 48 Hours.

If they have accepted your deposit, then they technically hve accepted your tenancy. However read what your (hopefuly signed by both parties) tenancy says. Does it state upon receiving references?

penthouse89

I was amazed that a reference levied a charge. Especially since this agent have the highest fees around.

You know how it is though, if you want the house, you pay the fees. My new agent's application fees are £50 all in.