letting agents- reference checks?

[scrummummy]

Aibu to think that letting agents won't do anything more than credit check?
I know I'll probably get computer says no as my credit history is bad.
but will they actually call my current landlord where I have been for over 6 years always paid rent on time.
I am employed though I am a contractor but have spoken to my agency's owner who will give me a reference. I can show bank statements which will show the rent I am looking to pay is 27% of my monthly take home.
so will they bother to take any of this into account or will they just look at credit history? aargh so annoying saw perfect house and now think it'll just be a no

My landlord gave me a written reference so I could hand it to agents...it was on his business paper. When I applied for places, I texted my LL to let him know people may be calling to check references. They do call.

All they look at is your public data, so unless you have any bankruptcies, ccj's or Iva's to your name you'll probably be fine. Oh and they should contact your current landlord.

I was bankrupt over 6 years ago so it should be clear. nothing since.

you do actually have some control over this. Agents will do these checks but there are ways to get the landlord (who has the final say) to consider you as a decent tenant. So if you want that house, here are some things to pass on. If the landlord is nearby perhaps ask for a chat?

• current landlord reference is good. Previous landlord even better (as the current one may say nice things to get rid of a bad tenant) but if you've been there for six years clearly they didn't want to get rid of you.
• affordability is good so stress that. You should also be able to demonstrate what you will do to continue to pay the rent if you lose your job (because anyone can).
• paying the rent on time is what normal people do and is a given. If your income is variable then a guarantor is reassuring.
• that bankruptcy would worry me as a landlord unless I knew that your situation was now completely different. So explain that. (to them, not to us!)
• no pets and non-smoker is good. Someone who knows how to run a house and will spot problems is also good - as you've rented for six years you clearly aren't just out of Mummy's clutches :-) Obviously fixing problems is for the landlord, but they need to know that they are there.

think what you would want as a landlord, then turn it round to be that person. Oh, and someone who wants to stay a long time is also good if the property is a buy to let.

good luck!

Have you checked your credit file to see if the bankruptcy has been removed? If so, don't tell them about it. If it's still there but was over six years ago look into clearing up your file. There's some good guides on Money Saving Expert.

Other than the bankruptcy, What is it you think is 'bad' about your credit file? There's a lot of misinformation around the issue so it might not be as big a problem as you think.

I've done the experian checks. I am poor only 10 less than fair. I am hoping I'll be OK . I make take home just under £1000 a week so can pay and have bank statements for over 9 months of this

Usually they check your salary against rent - usually needs to be over 30x the monthly rent. Employer reference confirming salary and usually a current landlord reference eg has rent been paid on time. Then basic credit check.

My credit history isn't great. I pay my bills but sometimes a week or so late if I haven't got direct debits and forget to pay via internet banking. I also annoyingly pay far more than my minimum payment on my credit card each month but it's sometimes a day or two late. But I have been ok. They can't dig that deeply. And think the references are more important than the credit check.