First Time Renters, Relocating, References

Holi117

Hello, I wonder if anybody can help...
My partner and I are due to relocate middle to end of June 2016. We are both first time renters, as we had been living with parents and saving to buy - but are now going to rent while we settle into a new town and see about buying in a year or two.

He has had a great job with same company for past 10 years, and has signed a contract for a new job in our new town and will be starting 4th July. However, my employment history is very on and off due to health problems.

We recently found a house to rent in the new town, paid holding fee and application fees, both passed our credit checks and right to rent checks. They asked us to pay 6months rent up front when the time comes which we have agreed to, due to me still needing to find employment in the new town, and partner not meeting the income requirements by himself. Have been up front about our circumstances, and have since sent over a copy of partners contract as proof of new job, and some bank statements.

My question is, the letting agents and landlords are still doing the referencing this week - but what else are they actually going to look for, and is there anything that we should be worried about that could mean we don't get the property? Like I said, our I.D, our credit is all good, we can pay the lump sum rent, we are not anticipating problems once we move, we have no bad debt or criminal records or anything like that etc... I'm just abit anxious because I've never done this before, and we need to buy and order furniture as soon as possible to ensure its ready when we actually move in - but I'm putting it off because I'm scared something will fall through!

Any thoughts? Much appreciated

Guest101

Don't rent from Westernpromise for a start!


However you'll be fine.


The agents and LL are probably just waiting for the current tenants to leave.

Holi117

Yes, we know the current tenants are leaving on June 17th, and based on conversation with agents they think we would be able to move in about a week after that (so they can clean and do full inventory) which is good news pur end.

I just dont know what they will be looking for with references that might NOT be good our end. I cant think of anything... But really just looking to have my nerves put to rest. I dont want to be excited and then suddenly be told "nope, you failed this one thing" lol

westernpromise

You'll probably be OK as long as the electoral register substantiates your account of where you've previously been living. Employers' references are often a bit useless, as all they typically confirm is that you've actually got a job, and how long you've had it. This is useful up to a point, but they don't always confirm salary information. You could check if your employers will do so and be prepared to make with the payslips, P60 etc if they don't.

Go round and photograph everything as soon as you get the keys and before your stuff arrives. Reconcile the condition in the check-in with the photos and note any discfrepancies immediately.

I have had landlords let damaged property to me, omit the damage from the inventory and then try to claim it back later. The only defence is a paper trail showing it was there when you moved in and that you pointed it out.

Guest101

Holi117 wrote: »

Yes, we know the current tenants are leaving on June 17th, and based on conversation with agents they think we would be able to move in about a week after that (so they can clean and do full inventory) which is good news pur end.

I just dont know what they will be looking for with references that might NOT be good our end. I cant think of anything... But really just looking to have my nerves put to rest. I dont want to be excited and then suddenly be told "nope, you failed this one thing" lol

They aren't going to sign you up until they leave: http://www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2016/05/25/can-new-tenants-sue-landlord-compensation-existing-tenants-refuse-leave/


references aren't as complex as you think. Their done on a shoestring to maximise profits. It's a £3 public credit check (CCJs Bankruptcy) and an email to employer. That's it.

Guest101

westernpromise wrote: »

You'll probably be OK as long as the electoral register substantiates your account of where you've previously been living. Employers' references are often a bit useless, as all they typically confirm is that you've actually got a job, and how long you've had it. This is useful up to a point, but they don't always confirm salary information. You could check if your employers will do so and be prepared to make with the payslips, P60 etc if they don't.

Assuming ofcourse their on the open register.....

westernpromise

Guest101 wrote: »

Assuming ofcourse their on the open register.....

It's their problem if they're not.

Guest101

westernpromise wrote: »

It's their problem if they're not.

Ye, I hate tenants too.


OP I'd suggest you ignore WP, he doesn't like tenants like you. 99% of landlords are fine, WP is an example of one you'd probably prefer not to have.

Holi117

Thanks for the input.

As far as I know our electoral registers are open? I dont remember ever opting in/ out of something like that. All our bills and statements and drivers licences etc are also on those addresses, so cant imagine that being an issue.

I have been out of work for the past 2 months though, which i told the agents. Like I said, my employment is on and off going back through the years, but we have never faultered on paying bills on time and have no debts. Had been applying for jobs where we live now but obviously that would now be a waste of time since we need to move, so again another reason we will be paying 6months up front. We offered a guarantor aswell but they said that wont be necessary.

Fingers crossed im just being silly and over cautious.

HappyMJ

Holi117 wrote: »

Thanks for the input.

As far as I know our electoral registers are open? I dont remember ever opting in/ out of something like that. All our bills and statements and drivers licences etc are also on those addresses, so cant imagine that being an issue.

I have been out of work for the past 2 months though, which i told the agents. Like I said, my employment is on and off going back through the years, but we have never faultered on paying bills on time and have no debts. Had been applying for jobs where we live now but obviously that would now be a waste of time since we need to move, so again another reason we will be paying 6months up front. We offered a guarantor aswell but they said that wont be necessary.

Fingers crossed im just being silly and over cautious.

Do not take any notice of being on the electoral register.

I am a non-EU citizen, therefore have no right to vote and am not on the electoral register.

I've never had a problem getting mortgages, loans, credit cards and did not have a problem getting the tenancy on the flat we are in now.