Unnecessary reference check

theartfullodger

You're so right, an unnecessary reference check.

Simply don't move (****) and no reference required! Job done!


**** - you don't have to move!

lookstraightahead

I think some of the checks don't really help to be honest. How does a company confirm that an employee isn't at risk of redundancy in the next twelve months and open themselves up to all kinds of problems?

banginghats

theartfullodger wrote: »

You're so right, an unnecessary reference check.

Simply don't move (****) and no reference required! Job done!


**** - you don't have to move!

Section 21 has nearly run out. Then I'll have two or three months before eviction.

Fosterdog

banginghats wrote: »

Section 21 has nearly run out. Then I'll have two or three months before eviction.

Or negotiate with your current landlord that you'll leave earlier if they cover the cost of your referencing checks to get into a new place sooner rather than later.

Or hold out because in three months we will be in June and the agency can no longer charge the fees.

Are you 100% sure that the section 21 that has been served is valid? If not it will buy you more time.

banginghats

Fosterdog wrote: »

Or negotiate with your current landlord that you'll leave earlier if they cover the cost of your referencing checks to get into a new place sooner rather than later.

Or hold out because in three months we will be in June and the agency can no longer charge the fees.

Are you 100% sure that the section 21 that has been served is valid? If not it will buy you more time.

Thanks for the suggestion, but the section 21 was drawn up by a very large letting agent, so they know what they are doing.

theartfullodger

banginghats wrote: »

Section 21 has nearly run out. Then I'll have two or three months before eviction.

Probably more, see Shelter (the experts in housing matters) timeline here...
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/eviction/section_21_eviction/how_long_a_section_21_eviction_takes

The full eviction process for a private tenant takes an average of 7 to 8 months.

- and many s21's are invalid....



re

Thanks for the suggestion, but the section 21 was drawn up by a very large letting agent, so they know what they are doing.

- most amusing: My son & his two housemates received an s21 from a large well known, award-winning chain of letting agents: It was invalid: I pointed out to the lad how to point out to the agent how/why it was invalid: Three times before they understood: Landlord was selling, vacant possession, on a particular date. Eventually agent realised stupidity of mistake and landlord came round to see house-mates: Large cheque & written excellent reference, although they could have stayed for probably another 6 months.


If you want to see if s21 is invalid see -

https://nearlylegal.co.uk/section-21-flowchart/

- or 'phone Shelter 0808 800 4444, open weekends etc etc...


DON'T tell landlord/agent if you think it is invalid, that will merely mean a valid s21 quicker: Wait until court write to you, more time at current place.


Fees for references etc in Scotland have been illegal for years, arguably since 1984: Come on Engerland, catch up!

anselld

theartfullodger wrote: »

Eventually agent realised stupidity of mistake and landlord came round to see house-mates: Large cheque & written excellent reference, although they could have stayed for probably another 6 months.

Equally, if the OPs s21 is valid and the Landlord knows what they are doing the OP will still be evicted and with a bill larger that the original reference fee they were complaining about.

However, that starting point is the same as you mention, to check validity.

FBaby

That doesn't mean you need to leave immediately though:

Hoe does staying beyond the time the landlord/agent wants OP out, incurring them extra costs, going to help OP in convincing the other landlord that they are a good candidate to lease to?

Forget references, it will be a black mark for any properties managed by this agent at best if not all in the town.

lookstraightahead

I agree FBaby - but what should he now do? If he leaves he has no income (if I have read it correctly) if he stays he won't be able to rent again because he won't pass the checks.

theartfullodger

banginghats wrote: »

......................because I don't have an income at the moment, as I'm looking after my elderly mum.............

Good for you helping mum. But there should be some benefits you (or perhaps mum..) would be entitled to - carer's allowance, etc etc - suggest run benefit calculators (both for mum & for you..)..
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

& see..
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/oct/26/care-allowances-ill-disabled-help
-
and will local adult social care not provide assistance? Been to local CaB
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/

- to see what they might suggest in your area?


Are you living with mum?

Best wishes, good luck