Would you let to a Tenant with CCJs?

Malibusmash

I'm currently doing referencing on a potential Tenant, who was up front with me about having a CCJ for non-payment of Council Tax with, he said, two payments left owing.

I'm still waiting for the previous Landlord references on him, however an Experian check has highlighted that there are two CCJs and amount outstanding is nearly £10k.

I'm assuming CCJs are pretty serious, as is the amount outstanding on them - would you give this Tenant a chance and let your property to him?

maninthestreet

If you have to ask, the answer is probably 'No'. Has he paid off those debts yet?

DandelionPatrol

No, he is plainly telling porkies. CCJ's are not for council tax, so basically he is trying to mislead you over the nature and extent of his problems.

KRB2725

I would give someone with CCJ's a chance - but only if they'd been truthful.

Stevie_Palimo

Bear in mind they are on your file for 6 years and you have no clue as to the circumstances as to why he or she got into bother and ended up with a CCJ so be open and express your concerns in the hopes that they will be open back with you.


I believe that we all have a right to have a 2nd chance and as for a blatant no without looking at the finer details well in my view it is a poor decision and anyone can turn there life around from having financial problems in the past due to being unemployed, Splitting with a partner and so on.

Malibusmash

Thanks both (no he hasn't paid the debt of yet). I just rang the Council to enquire and they confirmed that it is Magistrate's Court for Council Tax and not CCJs. I wonder what the prospective Tenant was hoping to achieve by saying it was a CCJ in place of a Magistrate's ruling?

molerat

So he has a history of not paying debts and then lying about it - your decision

giddypenguin

On balance, I would unfortunately say no.

If he'd been upfront and honest about both CCJs, and the repayments (I think it's quite clear he's not 2 payments away from clearing it!) I might have given him a chance - but lying already? That's already gotten off on the wrong foot.

Obviously he doesn't/can't pay his bills and at least 2 people have been forced to take him to court to recoup what is rightfully theirs - do you want to be the third?

Take the landlord reference with a pinch of salt - Some might give a glowing reference just to get rid!

Annie1960

Malibusmash wrote: »

I wonder what the prospective Tenant was hoping to achieve by saying it was a CCJ in place of a Magistrate's ruling?

He was hoping to deceive you.

Malibusmash

Thanks Annie - so is a Magistrate's ruling worse than a CCJ does anyone know (I'm trying to work out why someone would admit to a CCJ but not to a Magistrate for Council Tax debt)?

KRB2725

If the CCJ's were obtained by previous landlords, then he would probably think saying it's a Council Tax debt would be seen (by you) as being a little more acceptable.


The Council have told you their recovery procedure, but surely they haven't confirmed this person has a debt with them?