Negotiating after a failed referencing check

Velli

brett19852010 said:

Show him your past contacting history if it is consistent or current contact. Explain that your work is in demand even in the current climate. Are you sure nobody can act as guarantor? I'm not sure why a holding deposit was taken before credit checks, it depends what was agreed. I wouldn't offer any additional months in advance.

1 contract for almost a year now which the agent was happy with. As a credit controller seems Im one of the few in my company not furloughed so theres that. From my research holding deposits are standard when securing a rental no? 

[Deleted User]

Holding deposits are fine but the terms should be made clear to you. I'd suggest you have not failed the referencing, if the only reason is that the LL objects to a contactor per se. He's within his rights at any stage but why did he not raise this problem before taking a holding deposit. I think he has to return it. But before admitting defeat 1 year of contracting history is a good angle. The other stuff about break clauses, I wouldn't bother.

Jumblebumble

brett19852010 said:

Show him your past contacting history if it is consistent or current contact. Explain that your work is in demand even in the current climate. Are you sure nobody can act as guarantor? I'm not sure why a holding deposit was taken before credit checks, it depends what was agreed. I wouldn't offer any additional months in advance.

This unfortunately does not help if the OP has demonstrated that they they are the type of person who does not honour financial agreements which I surmise is the case here.

steampowered

Offering 2 months rent paid in advance sounds very fair to me, I wouldn't offer more than that.

At the same time you should offer the landlord some comfort/assurance that you are able to pay the rent - e.g. explaining that you have a long history, that you have stable earnings etc. etc.

Remember that the landlord is going to have difficulty finding other tenants right now.

saajan_12

Velli said:

Can I just confirm if Im within my rights to get back my 1 week holding deposit if the landlord refuses anything less than 6 months?

What was actually agreed / discussed upto the point you paid the holding deposit? Did the LL know you were a contractor? Was the tenancy term or rent upfront discussed (even as an alternative)? Did the LL state what their requirements were in terms of reference checks? 

Velli

Update - Landlord has agreed 2 months in advance then monthly rent payment.
To add to that managed to negotiate £100 off per month so very happy.
Guess Ive chosen a great time to rent