in an IVA - what happens when you move?

[rebecca2809]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone out there might be able to give me some advice? I've only been in an IVA for 3 months now and received a letter from my landlord today serving me notice to vacate the property in 2 months. The annoying thing is that I checked with the letting agents before I entered the IVA and was under the impression that the property would be available longer term. I am now totally shocked that the landlord is facing repossession therefore needs me to vacate. I'm now in a panic as to what to do. I realise that it is going to be difficult to find a landlord that accepts someone with an iva or doesn't credit check. I also have a dog as well which limits a lot of properties. Even if I could find a landlord I don't have the money to move.

I'm estimating that the cost of moving including deposit, etc is likely to cost £2000. My father is unable to help me financially but is willing to let me stay with him for a while until I can save up a deposit and removal fees and find somewhere to live. If I do this it would look like I have £850 spare that I am not spending on rent to contribute towards my IVA each month. But in fact I would be savign towards a deposit and paying out a lot more in petrol to work as he lives 70 miles away and also storage costs.

Are allowances made whilst in an IVA for moving costs, etc so that I can use the funds I would otherwise be spending on rent. I am expecting a deposit from my current property back but you never know when this will be refunded, if at all.

Thanks
Rebecca

[luluj]

We have been faced with exactly the same situation - landlord being repossessed. Our letting agent allowed us to carry forward our credit checks to our new property - however we were asked initially to pay six months rent up front and amonths deposit.......can you existing letting agent find you somewhere else to live....if so will they need to do a further credit check .....I wouldn't think so, so you may be lucky.

We were given £540 towards moving costs ....if you do land up living with your dad for a while, your extra mileage costs and rent you pay him I would imagine would be the same as your current rent ....it shouldn't make a difference.

It can be done......it seems a whole lot harder while your in an IVA but you doget through it.....I promise!!!!

[rebecca2809]

Thanks Lulu

The letting agents are quite strict on credit checks. Last year before the IVA I had been thinking of moving somewhere cheaper and they insisted on checks, etc. I couldn't move as they would not accept a pet but wish I hadn't disclosed that now.

I think that if I really scrimp and save whilst living with my Dad I could raise enough for the deposit. I will have enough for the first months rent out of my monthly salary. It just depends on whether I am permitted to do this.

[MelanieGiles]

Agree a sensible level of rental with your father, and ask him to put that away for you to cover your future removal costs. A lot of private landlords have no prejudice about people being in IVAs or being pet lovers, and this will give you a breathing space to find the right property. Also try and play on the estate agents guilt complex and suggest that they have let you down and therefore need to find you a suitable property.

[rebecca2809]

Hi Melanie

Thanks for your reply. I didn't expect to see you reply on a saturday night! You are my IP so perhaps I can contact your office next week to discuss with your team. I feel a lot better now as I went into panic mode earlier. It always seems that letters bringing bad news seem to arrive on a saturday when places are closed. I know I'm not going to end up on the streets and there will be a solution.

Thanks
Rebecca

[MelanieGiles]

I sort of thought I recognised you!!! Send me an e-mail now if you like - to my office e-mail address - and I'll see if I can help. Am definately working all day tomorrow as well so would be glad to help out if I can.