Letting Agent Checks.

MuddyFunster

Hi,

I'm shopping around for a rental place at the moment, they all mention the dreaded "credit checks" - I've occasionally mentioned some issues I had 5.5 years ago and they've said not to worry. I'm not sure I trust them, they're all so keen for me to give them £400 in non-returnable application fees.

However I've just spotted a post that mentioned Letting Agents only search public records - CCJs / Bankruptcy etc - none of which I have, merely defaults.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5427851

Is this true, true in some cases or not?

boo_star

As far as I'm aware it's true.

If you have concerns it would be advisable to read the small print to see exactly what their credit check entails and if it doesn't specify, ask.

I'd probably get it in writing too in case they claim "they never said that."

Archie_Jnr

I had referencing completed by a letting agent only a month ago - with my partner who had a bad default in her recent past (within 3 years?) - all passed okay. From what I can gather it is mostly related to your income and publicly available records.

Marktheshark

Quite a few will take multiple applicants and just tell them they failed.
Letting agents are the new wild west.
They rip off renters and take all the landlords profit and nobody appears to have sussed them out for what they are.
Charlatans.

mattyw831

I had a default on file from O2 that they mistakenly put there (took me a while to get it removed)

I cant remember the correct word but I had a note or query put on my file explaining why the default was there as I knew I had an upcoming credit check yet the letting agent couldn't see the default. They said they could see the note/query but not why the note/query was there, which I found really strange. So mine did check for defaults. I was just honest with them and it was fine.

I think it depends on the agent though. So you are better off just asking what they check for. You dont have to tell them why you are asking.

fermi

No agent or landlord should be able to see credit account level data such as defaults. The SCOR rules do not allow it.

Credit/tenant checking services often try their best to subtly (or not) misrepresent what their services can or do show.

SeanG79

They cannot search for defaults or late payments. They see public info, electoral roll, IVA, Bankruptcy and CCJ's.

Even the "comprehensive" estate agent checks cant see detailed credit information. http://www.experian.co.uk/background-checking/comprehensive-tenant-check.html