Council housing pre-tenancy checks and a debt management plan

MrHeisenberg

Hi all,

I think I may have been successful with a council housing bid. I understand that the next step is for the housing association to do a pre-tenancy assessment. My worry is that I am still repaying some old debts using a debt management plan. 

Does anyone know what the pre-tenancy assessment typically involves? Would the fact that I am on a debt management plan cause an issue? It looks like they may scrutinise every aspect of your financial history. The rent that I have been paying in the private rented sector has been much higher, and I haven't been in arrears.

elsien

They want to know that you can affordably pay their rent. And that you’re not going to trash the place.
If you are not and haven’t been in arrears, I can’t see your DMP being an issue. 

poseidon1

MrHeisenberg said:

Hi all,

I think I may have been successful with a council housing bid. I understand that the next step is for the housing association to do a pre-tenancy assessment. My worry is that I am still repaying some old debts using a debt management plan. 

Does anyone know what the pre-tenancy assessment typically involves? Would the fact that I am on a debt management plan cause an issue? It looks like they may scrutinise every aspect of your financial history. The rent that I have been paying in the private rented sector has been much higher, and I haven't been in arrears.

Hopefully you are not on substantial state benefits, since it appears Housing Association criteria for an acceptable tenant seems to be converging with the private sector, when it comes to risk assessment  - see article below

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/08/people-on-lowest-incomes-being-denied-access-to-social-housing-research-finds#:~:text=A new report from Crisis,to being deemed too risky.

theartfullodger

Amazingly different housing associations in different countries (NI, Wales...) have different rules & procedures.  

freesha

Cannot possibly answer, as all HAs/councils have their own criteria. It will certainly involve a credit check, and look at your bank statements.

MrHeisenberg

poseidon1 said:

MrHeisenberg said:

Hi all,

I think I may have been successful with a council housing bid. I understand that the next step is for the housing association to do a pre-tenancy assessment. My worry is that I am still repaying some old debts using a debt management plan. 

Does anyone know what the pre-tenancy assessment typically involves? Would the fact that I am on a debt management plan cause an issue? It looks like they may scrutinise every aspect of your financial history. The rent that I have been paying in the private rented sector has been much higher, and I haven't been in arrears.

Hopefully you are not on substantial state benefits, since it appears Housing Association criteria for an acceptable tenant seems to be converging with the private sector, when it comes to risk assessment  - see article below

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/08/people-on-lowest-incomes-being-denied-access-to-social-housing-research-finds#:~:text=A new report from Crisis,to being deemed too risky.

That is a bit worrying. I am going through the form now, however, and it seems it is just a basic affordability check.