Default from 2022 - will it show up on rental credit checks?

Tenant Discussion
1

I’m looking to rent in London with a friend, and we’re currently flat-hunting. Our joint income comfortably covers the rent threshold for the places we’re looking at, but I have a small concern.

I had a default on my record from 2022 for around £300 (no CCJ) which I fully paid off in early 2023. I just wanted to ask — does something like that still show up on the credit checks that letting agencies run?

I know it does not show on soft searches so I guess my question is do rental agencies perform soft or hard credit checks?

Thanks in advance for any insight — just trying to understand what to expect before we start applying!

2

Defaults stay on your file for 6 years to my knowledge.

You do know you can access your own credit file don’t you, via Experian or one of the other credit reference agencies.

3

No, a landlord’s credit check will only show information that is on public records as far as I’m aware (from what I have read online). (If default escalated to a CCJ, then it would obviously show up)

And the credit check will be a soft search only, meaning it won’t hurt your credit file.

https://www.equifax.co.uk/resources/loans-and-credit/credit-checks-for-renting.html

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/how_to_rent_from_a_private_landlord_or_letting_agent/credit_checks

But depending on the LL they may require a more thorough check & I may use a more specialist vetting company. Tbh I not sure if they can access credit commitments / balances etc. But they could always ask for opening banking access or bank statements to verify these details. But whilst open banking would highlight your credit commitments it would not obviously highlight a default from a creditor.

Hope that helps