Getting references to rent when you are self-employed / on mat leave.

[greyhairsahead]

DH and I are looking for a house to rent. He is self employed as a contracter but is currently inbetween contracts so doesn't have an employer as such who he can get a reference from. He is drawing a salary from his business, we're not on any benefits etc. We have funds to pay a deposit and a years rent which we could provide proof of if this is needed.

I'm on mat leave and have just gone down to SMP rate.

(we're not renting atm, we own a flat but need more space)

So what do we do when we (finally if ever) find a suitable house? We've not been in this position before and don't want to miss out because of technicalities.

Bump?

I'm a LL, and I'm currently speaking to agents about my house and this is what they have said that may be relevant to you - tenants without an employer to give a reference (mainly aimed at DSS) can give a character reference.

You will also be credit checked. They said that if people can't pass the credit and referencing checks, that some LL's will still take them if they pay the rent in advance. The man I was speaking to yesterday was telling me about a tenant they have on the books that had something ridiculous like 96 CCJ's and so clearly failed the check, but he has paid 6 months rent in advance (at £1500 pcm no less) and so the LL has still taken him!

I don't think you will have too much of a problem, they must deal with self employed people quite alot and will have things in place for that. Worst case you could pay up front if you already have the funds.

As a LL, I never ask for character references - they're usually written by friends!

I credit check and ask for 6 months' bank statements. If both of these are fine, I wouldn't have any issue with you being self-employed at all.

I do ask for employer and landlord references (and follow them up with phone calls afterwards) but as you won't have either, a copy of your annual mortgage statement should be fine. I'd also suggest your husband's book-keeper or accountant provides the 'employer's reference'.

DO NOT OFFER TO PAY RENT IN FULL UPFRONT unless it's explicitly requested and made a condition of the tenancy.

As a tenant, the best protection you have from a rogue landlord is the threat to refuse to pay rent. Legally, you can only do this in exceptional circumstances, but in practice, paying in full upfront will mean you'll have given away your most powerful bargaining tool to ensure prompt repairs.

Thanks guys. We would NEVER offer to pay the rent up front, that would be madness!! But if needed we could prove we have the funds iykwim.

When i have applied for things as self employed, I've been asked to supply a shortlist of clients I have worked for in the place of an employers reference

We can def get references from past employers/ the accountant. Does the fact that I'm on mat leave make any difference does anyone know?