Discharged for 10 years - want to rent house

Delilahh

I’d like some advice please.

My partner and I are looking to move away and rent a house.

I’m more than aware that Bankruptcy can affect the chances of getting a Landlord to take us on.

I went Bankrupt in 2004 and was discharged in 2005. It is no longer on my Credit File as I have checked.

I’m aware that if I’m asked, I legally have to state that I have been Bankrupt, even though it was 10 years ago and it’s clear off my files, I still have to do it. My partner seems to think that because of that I’m never going to get anything as once a bad payer, always a bad payer (he has a weird attitude when it comes to things like this).

We recently looked at a house which we both fell in love with and the Estate Agent sent a Homelet form for us to fill in. He noticed the question “Have you ever had a CCJ or adverse credit history”, now he thinks our job search is all over and we had a bit of a disagreement about it last night.

My Credit file isn’t squeaky clean as I had a few big issues last year when I was unemployed, and there are a few missed payments, but it’s improving month by month and I’m really pleased with the progress of it. I’m doing everything I can to get myself up another level.

I’m currently working – temping actually. It’s to tide us over until we move, and we are saving like crazy. We are actually re-locating, so a temp job for me is much easier, so that when we do move, I only have to give a weeks notice.

We are saving so that we have at least 6 months rent in the account, should I not find a job in the new area immediately. Although having spoken to several recruitment agencies, finding a job will not be a problem and I’m prepared to do anything (cleaning, shelf stacking) until I find something in my expertise. My partner has his own business and has made a real success out of it for the last 16 years. He also has a very reliable, secure guarantor.

DrMoosePLC

I don't know the answer but would be suprised if you are legally obliged. I would guess that just because they are legally permitted to ask doesn't mean you are legally obliged to answer. If it was me I'd say no and be done with it. What's the worse that can happen for a rental?

fermi

So this?

Delilahh

fermi wrote: »

So this?

This is what my partner noticed on the Homelet form and now he thinks my history will come in the way, even though it was 10 years ago.

We desperately want to re-locate and find somewhere together, but it's still a worry.

alastairq

The question is, ''Do you have.....'', not, ''Have you ever......''!!

You appear not to have any CCjs against you, or any of teh other debt remedies mentioned.

Your BAnkruptcy ended with Discharge.

Aside from the London Gazette, there is no longer any public record.

The answer would be 'NO'....

And, if a partner has issues with insolvency, bankruptcy, etc, they need their attitudes re-adjusting, seriously...IMHO!

woodformoretrees

It actually says do you have adverse history, not current history, but that aside - if you have 6 months rent in advance I think that that speaks louder than the adverse credit history.

National_Debtline

Hi Delilahh


I think you are entitled to interpret the term "credit history" here as referring to the past six years, which is all that your credit file will reflect at any given time. If the letting agency want to know about anything older, then it's up to them to phrase their questions more clearly.


I cannot see for one second, however, why information that is more than six years old should have any bearing whatsoever on your eligibility for a private tenancy.


Why not contact Homelet directly and ask for clarification?


Dennis
@natdebtline

slenderkitten

i cant help you with this question but as the last poster said ask the, but don't tell them that it is you, just give them another name or false name and pretend you are making an enquiry so that they do not link this to you.

capeverde

why would you tell them? Lifes about risk and reward. What are the potential risks of being found out, none, a big fat zero. You move in pay the rent, nothing happens. You move in, dont pay the rent and get removed, thats it. You arent going to get prosecuted for the way you have filled out a declaration, particularly one that isnt clear in its self.

fermi

I know how I would interpret that question, but others may read it in different ways and would obviously then reply accordingly..........

Delilahh

Thank you all for your help.

I'm going to get in touch with Homelet and see what they say, but as Slenderkitten suggests, I'll use a different name and hope they email me rather than try to phone me.

We are holding off from the house we were originally looking at going for as we still want to save like mad so that we have enough behind us to live comfortably if I don't find work straight away.