Bad credit score

[uplight99]

I’m 21 and my family are going to be homeless at 11:30 today so I might need to get my own place.

However my credit score is really bad out of no fault of my own. I stupidly let my parents put Sky and Virgin Media in my name when I turned 18 as they couldn’t get it in their name. Long and behold debt has added up on their accounts and I now have 2 defaults in my name as it has gone to debt collectors. I know a landlord isn’t going to believe me but it literally isn’t my fault. I have never missed any payments on anything in my life (phone contracts, credit cards, loan etc)

What are my options? Council won’t bat an eye to me as I’m not vulnerable and I don’t have any friends or family I can stay at. Going to be living on the street out of no fault of my own and it’s frustrating. I don’t know what I done to deserve this. My life is a shambles. I have been thinking about just ending it because what’s the point?

Hi there

I’m assuming from your post that you could afford a flat but are worried this will hold you back. As it is in your name are you expected to pay back the debt?

Can you contact letting agencies etc to see if they could advise. They may ask for evidence of your solvency and a steady income may help convince them of your reliability. They may also know if immediate or short term options to get you on your feet.

You definitely don’t need a good credit score to not be on the street - just some cash and a job?

If you go on to the website ‘SpareRoom’ you will find lots of people offering rooms in shared houses for rent (often with en-suites if you want your own bathroom). If you select ‘no agents’ then you will just find private landlords and people renting out a room in their current place. I have happily rented out rooms from people in three different cities across the country and never ever been asked for my credit score - they usually just want a months rent up front/a deposit, and evidence that you have a job (and often just verbal confirmation is fine)

It’s a great way to rent as it’s much cheaper than getting your own flat (usually 300-800pcm depending on where in the country you live, how nice it is etc) and often all bills are included, so you don’t have to worry about contracts or setting those up etc. I’ve also met some of my best friends living in shared houses (and some absolute weirdos, but that makes for a good story!)

If you haves bit of money and an income, please don’t be on the street no matter what your credit score is.

Is there anyone who would be a guarantor for you? Or could you pay more rent upfront?

Renting a room as a lodger might be more practical and cost effective.