There is currently a CCJ showing on my credit file which was registered in July last year, however I only became aware of it in January when deductions unexpectedly started from my payslip. This was a personal dispute (financial grooming and a power imbalance when I was between 18-22, I was very vulnerable at the time) I am 25 now.
I have since submitted a formal court application to have it set aside, and the matter is under review.
I’m 25, in stable full‑time employment earning £32,000, and my partner earns £24,000. We have reliable income, can provide employer references and proof of affordability, and we’ve never missed rent.
Willing to pay rent upfront. Will a landlord consider us?
Yes, absolutely. But not all LLs will.
My advice would be to be up front when you contact and agency or LL. Let them know exactly the info here (except perhaps not mention your vulnerability at the time).
One thing I would say is that your description reveals that you are not averse to going to court to pursue your rights. Some less scrupulous LLs might see this as a threat. I’d say that works in your favour to weed out LLs who might not want to do everything by the book. However, it might mean you get more rejections.
Bear in mind also that if a LL requires rent guarantee insurance, the CCJ may mean you fail referencing and then they won’t be able to get RGI. You could find yourself rejected because of that. It’s just the way things are so no point complaining if that happens.
I would def consider you on the basis of that description.
thank you so much for your response.
What would be the best way to approach a landlord? Would you suggest viewing the property first and and having the conversation with them. Or mentioning it prior. Or mentioning it when I say that I would like to take the properly?
It’ll depend entirely on the LL, but many want to have a phone call before the hassle of a face to face. I have a screening phone call where I ask a series of questions. The one that relates to your case is
If I ran a credit check on you would I find anything averse?
That’s the point at which you’d have a chance to explain your story, and, as it reads above, your experience would not prevent me from offering you a viewing.
If however, you told me I’d find nothing and I did, that would be an instant rejection, not because of the CCJ itself, but because you concealed something relevant to your application.
So, I’d recommend that as soon as you have some communication with the LL/agency, you mention your CCJ. If they’re OK with it, then you’ve not wasted your time arranging and attending a viewing where you find a beautiful place only to discover the LL won’t consider you.
Thank you for this!
I am not entirely sure what to say If the landlord asks what was the ccj for. Because it’s not as common as saying a fine, I’m more than happy to be honest about it but you mentioned it’s probably not the best to let them know about my vulnerability. How would I proceed.
additionally, I cannot provide a guarantor as I have no close family member (estranged) and no one I know who owns their own property.
I have about 3 months to find somewhere and I fear that I won’t be able to find anyone to rent to me.
How can I prove to the landlord I am a reliable tenant