Referencing -Letting Agents

Tori_Bellatrix

Hi,

I've always rented privately before but have seen a property I like via a Letting Agent. I've got the forms to fill out for referencing but I'm just a bit worried I might not pass their checks as I don't have a great deal of credit history. I've only really started building up a credit history again over the last 14 months or so (after years of not having any) but I don't have any adverse credit such as defaults, CCJ's etc ....

Any advice appreciated .. Tori x

Gingernutmeg

OH and I were in a similar situation - no CCJs, problems, debts (except OH's student loan) or arrears, but I've never had a credit card and OH hasn't had one for years. The letting agents weren't happy with our credit score on the basis of this, so they insisted on a guarantor. Unfortunately OH's dad is retired and my mum is self employed, so neither were viewed as suitable guarantors by the agency (although some places don't mind self-employed guarantors). We ended up having to pay six months rent in advance. Worst case scenario is that they'll either ask for this or refuse to let to you, in which case you'll have to go elsewhere or try to find an agency or private landlord who is a bit less stringent.

Tori_Bellatrix

Ooooooh ... That sounds a bit harsh.

I do have a credit card but only got it in September this year, also have a couple of catalogue credit accounts for about a year. I don't really want to burden someone with the responsibility of a guarantor and 6 months in advance is a no-no

Gingernutmeg

I have to say though that our letting agent has proved to be a bit of a pain where there was never a window (;)) so you might not have the same problems as we did. You just have to keep trying, although of course there's a limit to the number of times you can keep paying out extortionate fees for 'reference checks' ...

Tori_Bellatrix

Exactly, it's the fees bit I'm worried about ... :doh:

sooz

Are you on the electoral roll? That will help.

Gingernutmeg

Oh, I'm with you on that one ... This time it was sixty five pounds each for me and OH, plus sixty five pounds for my mum to be refused, plus sixty five pounds for my step-dad, who very kindly agreed to be a guarantor for us as the agency wouldn't let to us without. That was two hundred and sixty pounds BEFORE we'd even paid the 'holding' fees, deposit, six months rent ...

Tori_Bellatrix

sooz wrote: »

Are you on the electoral roll? That will help.

Yep, I am .. They've also taken a copy of my Driving Licence which the Agent said would confirm identity and address.

Tori_Bellatrix

Gingernutmeg wrote: »

Oh, I'm with you on that one ... This time it was sixty five pounds each for me and OH, plus sixty five pounds for my mum to be refused, plus sixty five pounds for my step-dad, who very kindly agreed to be a guarantor for us as the agency wouldn't let to us without. That was two hundred and sixty pounds BEFORE we'd even paid the 'holding' fees, deposit, six months rent ...

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Tori_Bellatrix

Bump .........

svmitche

I think you'll just have to try it out with this agency and see what happens - at least then you'll know! References from former landlords seem to go a long way in my experience though - could you provide those?