Can I rent with a credit score of 550?

[Digitalcandy]

Credit score has built up slowly after time. A CCJ has come off my credit report and my score has gone up considerably. I failed referencing for a tenancy due to the ccj being on my credit report so I needed a guarantor. Just wondering if I could rent without a guarantor and would a credit score of 550 still be considered poor?

Assuming you're in the UK the number is essentially meaningless OP. Lenders will be more interested in seeing what your actual record looks like (any missed payments, if so how many, how long ago / how frequently and how big; CCJ's; credit utilisation; and so on).

The "score" is made up by each of the credit reference agencies and they each have their own system. Even a "good" score doesn't guarantee a favourable decision, and a "bad" score doesn't guarantee a decision being taken against you - it's all about the details and the context.

AFAIK credit records aren't scrutinised anywhere near as closely for renting a place as they are for taking out a mortgage. Will very much depend on the letting agency / landlord though.

I've had no missed payments or defaults and the CCJ I did have has now come off my file.. The only things that my credit report states would be more favourable is if I was on the electoral roll and if bringing my credit card down to 70% usage.

No guarantees obviously but if your credit record is clean (no missed payments) then you'll probably be OK.

I'd get on the electoral roll though if you are eligible, even if you're not planning to stay at your current address for long. It's the number 1 thing that most credit checks will look for.

Yes the score is mostly irrelevant but you haven't said what the number is out of. 550/700 is better than 550/1000

The letting agent would only see public records. Aka ccj.