Social housing applications should not be affected --- as long as you are up to date with rent to your current landlord. Private rental is a different matter --- if you go through an agency, who will credit check, you will fail that check. Sometimes they will work around this if you can offer a higher deposit, more rent in advance or a guarantor. If you go direct to a private landlord, they are less likely to credit check and will rely on references from the current landlord, confirming no rent arrears or damage to the property.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014 http://foggy.blogs.iva.co.uk