The Lettings Hub

soleserenity

My husband and I have just gone through very invasive reference checks with this company and they have declined our application because (according to the estate agent) my husband works away! We have submitted all relevant information and not once did we say he wouldn't be living at the property! Yes he works away but does that not mean he entitled to have a home with his wife? The Lettings Hub have been a nightmare from start to finish (including blatantly lying to me about when they received our documents) - where do we go from here? Are they even allowed to use that as a reason to decline?

Retired_Mortgage_Adviser

Unfortunately, yes there is nothing stopping them from using that as a reason to decline a letting application.

However, since there doesn't appear to be any fault at your end for the application falling through, the Estate Agent / Landlord is required to return the holding deposit taken (if any).

silvercar

I would guess they suspect that you are using his income to justify the rental affordability, but he won't be living in the property. Maybe a conversation is needed to explain this. I guess their fear is that he is helping you obtain the tenancy and you can't afford it on your own.

soleserenity

It does seem ludicrous though, he's my husband! We both work full time and we explained that he's always worked away - will they use that reason against someone that for example works away on oil rigs?  My husband is a chef so works long days and often late nights hence why he stays where he works and comes home on his days off. I'm still reeling that they declined based on their assumptions and not for what I see as a legitimate reason. If my husband wasn't looking to live with me then why would he submit all the references that he had to (including his national insurance number)!

soleserenity

According to a call I had with this vile company today they will decline all people with a profession that works away - including long distance lorry drivers etc! 

Cakeguts

It isn't usually the letting agency that declines applications it is usually the landlord. The agent is working for the landlord. It is possible that the landlord of the property that you applied for has had a bad experience with people who work away. You might not get this same result with a different property and a different landlord.

soleserenity

The estate agent has emailed us saying the Lettings Hub have declined us (they are the words she used) but she will forward our details to the landlord anyway - If they didn't 'decline' then I guess she means they have recommended he is not suitable for a house - the person I spoke to today at the Lettings Hub told me they will never pass anyone who works away from home.  So despite passing all the relevant credit and employment checks we come to this. I have had enough now, I will need to get my holding deposit back, look for another house and avoid any agencies that use The Lettings Hub.