Rental referencing

lynns3cookies

sourcrates wrote: »

That's true yes, it's called a "soft search" they only have access to public information, not the personal details of your credit file.

Thanks! This is great for me and let's me take another step forward.

rockm87

DH had a CCJ we were fine!

koselur

Just wanted to say thanks all for the useful information in this thread really helpful to know this as being in my 20s me and my friends all rent and the credit check is a constant source of worry!

Jon81

Wondered if any DFW's have had recent experiences of applying to rent and the checks conducted?

Brightspark87

Hi its not that long ago but I applied for my rental 8 months ago - DH has a default and I have late payments. We got through the checks fine. Sister in law moved 3 weeks later - 6 defaults no CCJ she was fine.

We have even just been accepted for a 'normal' mortgage so if we can get a mortgage sure you will get a rental house!

lynns3cookies

I am on a DMP and passed checks no problem in December. Agencies can only see public information such as CCJs. I was really nervous but had no problem whatsoever.

6ofus

very useful - thank you all for discussing this.

Sanctioned_Parts_List

The thing to remember is that while the letting agents will get credit references (and references from former landlords if you're moving from rental to rental), the final decision rests with the owner of the property you're wanting to rent.

So having a shocker of a credit report, even CCJs or bankruptcy, isn't necessarily a blocker. Especially if the property has been empty for a while, the landlord will be happy just to have warm bodies in there. (And for those problems the landlord can't foresee... there's insurance for that!)

MERFE

When my husband had a default on his credit file we used to tell the letting agents about it. They said if we didn't pass the check it may just mean we need to use a guarantor which we wouldn't have had. We always passed the checks. Usually they just want to know the rents affordable for your wages. When we moved 250 miles we had my husband sign with an agency he had never worked for to confirm he could earn enough to cover the rent and even that was fine. He did work for them for a bit and it was hit and miss whether he earned the amount they told the referencing service he would get.

Boatdweller

The company we use generate a 'credit score' how they get this information I don't know but they are able to tell us of CCJs, not defaults and make us aware of if the tenant has any credit agreements - again we don't know what/how much is owed.

Even if you have a CCJ if you're upfront it's better and the landlord may decide to rent to you anyway.