How am i going to fare with credit check?

[ben.mac]

I have been in an iva for the past three years (approx), with two years still to run and am now looking to rent a property which i have been told will involve a credit check. How am i going to fare with this?

[PoorbutHappy]

We rented succesfully last year, but my wife earned alot more than me so could technically cover the rent by herself, and it was just me in the IVA.

We were up front with the agents so they were prepared for what they got back when they processed me and were easy going enough for it not to bother them.

PBH

[luluj]

Be prepared to have to find six months rent up front ! Then save each months rent yourselves and pay the next six months in a chunk ! We have been doing this now for three years and although it was a struggle to find the first six months, actually it works well cos you get the interest in your account and also at the end of it you will have six months rent for yourselves !

[vickymeldrew]

If you're dealing with an estate agent, I think it depends who they use to perform credit checks and how in-depth these checks are. I've been in an IVA just over a year now, my husband and I rent a house and the estate agent we rent through uses a referencing agency called MARAS. We've had no problems with our referencing - when we first rented the house, I was in a DMP; then last year changed to an IVA after realising this was a better option for me. We renewed our tenancy, and as a result were re-referenced (and not charged for the re-referencing) through MARAS, and there was no problem at all re my IVA. A while ago - when we were looking to move, and I was researching various estate agents - I found that another local estate agent conducts apparently more in-depth credit checks, I can't remember their exact wording but I don't think I'd have passed their checks. Best to be open about your situation with whoever you rent through. Good luck.

[missy80]

My letting agent said they would do a credit check but i don't believe they did as I don't think I would have passed. They also said they would contact my old landlord and he told me they never did. They still charged for it though!

[Maz]

Hi Ben.Mac

I am exactly in the same situation as you are. I am renting currently but it's such a commute to work (that's if I still have job there!![:(!]) there are lots of people being made redundant within the company and its very unsettling. Anyway I have been thinking of moving nearer to where i work as it would save on petrol costs etc. But i am absolutely terrified of the credit checks and feel trapped. Another reason to move is because of the last two years of horrendous snow I hated the drive. I dont want to go through that again. I dont know what to do really.

I would like to know how you get on with renting a propery, and wish you all the best.

Maz x

[ben.mac]

Guys thanks for all the advice, it's been very helpful!!! looks like i was ok though. i used one of the "less well known" estate agents and im not even sure they performed a credit check. Everything is almost complete with the house and should be moved in on the bank holiday weekend. Just another quick one though, i went onto the experian website and paid for my own credit check and it came back almost clean! I hada score of 999 out of a thousand but they still had all my history and trouble with past creditors. I have kept my nose clean for the past three years but wasnt expecting that! Once again thanks for taking time to answer. xxx

[Maz]

Well done Ben!! good success there. I am also 3 years into the IVA and two years to go. I am going to bite the bullet and try for the move.

[ben.mac]

Go for it Maz! The worst they can say is no!!! Definately worth going on the Experian website and doing your own check first i think. It cost around £6 but it was worth it to me for peace of mind!