How does a lender know if I have ever had an IVA?

mikeb222

As this is one of their questions on the application form, why do they ask if they can check so easily?
My IVA is now completed but most lenders want to know if I have had one and/or if it was discharged 3 years ago or more.
As the IVA was registered more than six years ago, it doesn't appear on my credit file or the insolvency register.
If I lie and say "never had one" I get a great rate and an affordable deal. If I admit to the IVA i get declined or a terrible unaffordable deal.
So my question is how will they know?

fatbelly

The record stays on the insolvency register until 3 months after completion.

It stays on your credit file for 6 years, or until completion, whichever is longer.

It does not appear in The Gazette

I don't normally see questions as well phrased as 'Have you ever had an IVA?' 

sourcrates

After the statutory time scales there will no longer be any evidence (publicly available) that you ever had an IVA.

You are only obliged to declare your last 6 year credit history, a question that starts "Have you ever" is surely a bit ambiguous.