Letting and Equifax credit scoring

Joe-C_4

Hi,

Sorry to ask so many questions!

Me (21), my friend (19) and another friend (17) are interested in a nice 3 bedroom apartment.

We've just found that the 17 year old cannot register so he is going to have to pay us his rent. Me and my 19 year old friend will be the only names down.

We have to give them a passport photo, national insurance card and 3 months bank statements.

The problem is that I have been doing freelance web design work and the pay wasn't brilliant but my outgoings weren't high either. I've been in full time work for the last month but I'm not sure it's enough.

I suppose if this EQUIFAX doesn't let me I can use my parents as Guarantaurs...

Does this sound okay to you lot who know about this sort of thing?

clarkey_2

I was in a similar position to yourself last year. I was looking to let a flat and had just started a new job so I didn't have much to go on. In my experience it can be a big obstacle, the first agent I went to was unwilling to be flexible at all and insisted that since I failed the Credit check that they couldn't let the property to me (this was anticipated due to not having six months continious employment).

Another agent (they weren't as large) was much more flexible, it helped that my employer was willing to put down the initial six months rent and that sorted it out.

I would try and negotiate with the agent directly. It really depends on how big the exposure is, some agents are going to have some concerns about your age and income. But if you speak to them directly and try and speak to the landlord as well you might be able to get around it.

Joe-C_4

thats excellent of your employer to do that!

im only doing temp work at the moment which makes it worse!

but i think the fact that we both have gaurantors is a bonus..

chicklet_2

Hi,

I'm a letting agent in Kent and that all sounds pretty standard.

Most agents will at least do a credit check and if you've only been in full-time paid employment for a month, you will almost certainly need a guarantor.

Your guarantor may be asked to have a credit check done and will also be asked to sign a guarantor's agreement, (bit like a tenancy), as well.