Renting with a CCJ - soft search?

Debtdipped

Hello, I know that most letting agents/landlords do a 'soft' credit check. Has anyone ever been accepted/passed a credit check to rent a home with 1 CCJ on their records?

I recently got declined for dental finance (which I purposely applied for just to check how bad my credit really is). I know its bad, I have 1 CCJ and some defaulted payments, which will all be paid off end of next year. However, I am desperate to move this year, after having rubbish private landlords for several years.

Thank you for your help.

sourcrates

There are various checks a landlord can do on a new tennant, it just depends how picky the landlord actually is.


Most checks involve a credit check, which will throw up public informnation such as a CCJ.


Lots of people have these, it may not be a complete barr to renting.


https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/how_landlords_and_letting_agents_check_tenants

MovingForwards

I rent, I also have a CCJ.

I was open and honest with my first LA as to having a CCJ, confirmed I'm paying it by instalments and provided copies of my bank accounts to show I did have money in the bank to meet rent payments but was also in a permanent job at the time.

No problems there and went on the tenancy.

LL then wanted his flat back and we got a s21.

When property hunting I was met with phone slamming down on me, no thanks as it wasn't paid off, no thanks as I didn't have a guarantor or 6m rent in advance. So stayed with the same LA and they transferred the papers over from the old flat to the new one, I paid the deposit and rent advance within an hour of receiving the total price.

So it can be done, but won't be with the bigger / commercial LA's. If you can get to deal with a LL directly you will stand a better chance.

Debtdipped

Thank you for both of your replies! That's really lucky tbf - I have been in contact with several letting agents in the past (North England), showed them my permanent employment contract, obtained excellent employer and private landlord references, and was upfront about my poor credit history and paying it off via DMP. As soon as I mentioned my CCJ/defaults/DMP, they declined me even without a credit check! They all stated that I either pay 6 months rent upfront or have a guarantor (which I did not have). So for the past 15 years, I have rented privately.

I am in much better circumstances now, living in London, higher salary, debts will be paid off next year, but I get the feeling that not telling my whole situation is probably better. Just let them know my 1 CCJ and that it will be paid off/drop off next year.