First time renting with a CCJ!

[Dudeish1]

I am 25 and have recently moved back into my family home having recently split with my partner. For the past 2 years I have lived with him in a flat rented in his name. I am now in a position where I am ready to rent by myself, however I have no tenancy history and I have recently discovered that I have a 2 year old CCJ against my credit file.

The CCJ relates to an unpaid contract from around 2012 which I disputed at the time with the mobile provider, I am in the process of trying to resolve this and was completely unaware until a few weeks ago when I checked my credit file to check to see if anything would come up in a check. I did not change my address when I lived with my ex and all my post was still being sent to my family home so it is possible that I missed the warning letters when they were originally sent.

I am really worried that the CCJ and the fact I haven't rented before will stop me from being able to rent a property. I am in stable full time employment and can provide references and a guarantor. I have every intention of being up front and honest about the situation.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation or that could provide some advice?

Thanks x

I've been on the other side as a landlord who took tenants, one of whom had a bogus CCJ (victim of identity fraud) which he was in the process of clearing, but was hampering his rental applications as the automated screening process marked him down. He and his partner were the best tenants I've ever had a stayed 4 years!

What I'd say is be honest and up front as soon as possible that this will likely come up. Yes, offer a guarantor. Provide evidence/paperwork as far as possible.

Good luck!

I have done it. My ex left me in so much debt that l didn't know about. You just need a guarantor.my parents did it for me as they own a house was fine. Can your parents do that for you.

evil bastard landlord here (there is no other kind in MN land)

if you a) come clean BEFORE the referencing (which landlord now has to pay for so will be super-selective on tenants - well done Shelter...) and b) have that guarantor so landlord can get rent guarantee insurance, then should be ok.

if (like someone who doesn't rent from me) you get asked before the referencing if there are or were any CCJs, say no and then one comes up (that you have satisfied and so knew about)- then bye-bye.

other tenant pluses: doesn't smoke, has run a home before (so knows if something isn't working and will tell the landlord), and due to new limits on deposits doesn't have pets.

good luck!

mencken yes, the change to referencing costs has come in since my last tenancy change and it really doesn't help renters AT ALL does it?

I find myself unwilling to take a risk simply because of the cost I'll incur on referencing anybody who may end not passing.

of course - like all sensible landlords. The easy solution would be a one-off reference pack that tenants could get from an agreed source, for the actual cost of around £50 or less. They could then produce that for landlords. But not allowed as it is illegal to ask tenants to spend anything on referencing.

result - prescreeners and being very selective indeed about who even applies.

as I said - well done, Shelter, for campaigning for something that makes renting more difficult for tenants. Caused by massively over-charging London agents, as usual the idea that the situation is different elsewhere never enters anyone's pretty little head.

Thanks for the advice! I know that being honest is the best way forward and I intend to provide full disclosure on the first call. I have a guarantor lined up, I have never had any employment gaps and can provide references.

I understand why LL's would be reluctant I would most likely be the same in their shoes.

Aside from the guarantor, will I most likely need to pay a higher deposit/more rent in advance?

first, read this:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent

your landlord has to give you a copy but due to screwed up legislation can only do so when the tenancy starts. Get clued up; so many on here are not and are easy prey to dodgy landlords/agents.

check any place over as if you were buying it. In some ways you are, but without the power to fix things! Even if this is London, don't rent a shithole on the promise it will get better.

think EPC, gas safe, smoke alarms, deposit protection and so on. If you want long-term, get a long tenancy (although no landlord with a brain will give you a first tenancy without a six month break). Look for a buy to let not the landlord's home. But be aware that the new tenancy fee rules and the eventual abolition of section 21 will mean many will be selling up, leaving tenants at the mercy of the housing associations.

deposits are capped at five weeks rent. Offering some months in advance may work, but it is also a drug-dealer tactic (not saying that's you of course!!) so don't rush to do it.

The last flat I rented I rented with a CCJ and a cat! I told them about both of these things right up front and it wasn't an issue at all. I offered my mum and a guarantor but they said they didn't need it as I met the affordability well etc. Also being in Scotland I had never been asked to pay for referencing etc. Good luck OP.

Smartcarnotsosmartdrive, did you go through an agency or the LL direct? I’ve heard that it’s easier to go through the LL direct if you have bad credit or a CCJ?

We went through an agency, I told them about my ccj at the viewing as I was worried it would put them off. I think sometimes it's just your luck. Good luck!