Gave a holding deposit, guarantor failed the reference check and looking for alternative options/provided. The landlord barely replies on the app and is unwilling to call me or provide a number to discuss and move things forward. I’m looking to get the holding the deposit back, try and find another place, wondering how I can go about that?
It costs money to do the checks. Why did your guarantor fail the checks? Did you inform your LL that they might fail it?
I will give you a LLs perspective…
A LL will look at several candidates at the same time. They will ask each a range of questions to ascertain which candidate is likely to pass referencing and invite that candidate (they can only choose one) to place a holding deposit. When the LL accepts your holding deposit the listing is automatically suspended. Nobody else can make enquiries on that property during this time. The guarantor you put forward has failed referencing. The LL has already lost valuable time and money on your application. They will be legally entitled to retain the holding deposit as compensation. If you read OR T&Cs on holding deposits it will confirm what I am saying. The LL will no doubt want to have their listing un-suspended so that they can start receiving new enquiries.
They failed the checks purely because the person didn’t want to share their bank with open rent but has now changed their mind and need to edit the ref, do you know how to do that to add bank details?
That is unfortunate.
Without reading the T&C’s regarding OR referencing, I would imagine by the fact the result came back as failed the reference check is now complete. It is likely that the LL would have to submit a new reference application and pay the fee again.
Theyve also lost rental income due to these delays.