Question about renting

Hi everyone, I’m after some advice please.

I am beginning the process of needing to find a home for me, my partner and my little girl. We currently live with family. I am on the council housing list however, we are getting no where.

In terms on renting, I have quite a poor credit score (I am building the credit back up!) My partner’s credit score is horrendous.

We are hoping to try and save up to 6 months rent in advance and we would also try to find a guarantor, however, this could be quite difficult.

Has anyone got any advice/ tips on what else we could do to try and help us?

Thank you!

The market is tough at the moment so you may struggle. Improving that credit rating is a priority.

Many landlords may reject you without consideration, however some will like ‘you’, and may be prepared to give you a chance, so put forward your best side when you go to any viewings. Be keen & tell them how much you like their house & why you think it would be ideal for you & your family.

Keep an eye on the property listings & enquire quickly. After 1-2 days you maybe too late due to demand.

Do you have a guarantor available? If not look into commercial guarantor services which you can pay for. Some Landlords may accept this.

Have proof of income available & whilst your credit file is bad, I hope you run your finances well now, so offer copies of your bank statements to demonstrate this. Also be open & honest about why your credit rating is poor.

Good luck.

In your situation you must have guarantors with home owners and can pass affordability with their income.

Rent in advance doesn’t really help that much unfortunately.

Must fix the credit score, clear CCjs and everything else.

Landlord has the pick of the best, big shortage of properties and high number of applicants so those ranked poorly will have much less chance. If you have good reasons for poor credit make sure you volunteer this upfront with the first contact.

Can you actually afford it yourselves if you are paying off debt?

Personally I view tenant with CCJs as having nothing to lose by not paying rent as they don’t have a credit file which matters if its messed up further.

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Hi mark thank you for your reply!

The only issue on my credit score is a default, which is currently being sorted and has 3 payments left on it. My partner on the other hand, has a previous IVA (all paid off) and a ccj (this all stems from a previous relationship and then a period of unemployment before we got together!)

I’m trying to find someone to guarantor us, however, we are finding it slightly difficult. I have seen that online companies will offer to do this if the landlord would agree to it.

Hi Karl!

I’m hoping this will be the case. We are trying to find someone who would be willing to guarantor us.

In terms of affordability and finances (I see your a landlord), would you happen to know if student finance would be taken as income as well as a part time job? I am currently training to be a nurse and also have a part time job. My partner has a well paid job also.