Renting with v bad credit

[renthelp]

Hi,

Been looking for rental property for quite a while now, so many others looking and suitable houses are few and far between.

We are a young working family with 2 young children. Both working average but secure long term jobs. However we both have bad credit, back from when we were freshly 18yp and made stupid mistakes. I have one unpaid CCJ and my DP has a paid CCJ.

We have managed to secure one of the first viewings on a perfect house with a private landlord tonight. It will be the landlord directly we are meeting. I can say with 99% certainty we will want this house.

What chances do we stand with the bad credit, it's terrible we can't even get a phone contract between us. However we have never ever missed a rent payment before, our bills now are all paid on time, we can supply a guarantor and references from past LL and however many months upfront rent they would take. DP wages alone cover 3x annual rent, so with line added covers even more.

I've read online most private landlords do still perform credit checks so this has really worried me. I plan on going and being completely honest and upfront with her about our bad credit history but what chances do we stand? If you were a private LL would you let to us?

@FlowerArranger
''I'm a landlord, but I never use conventional credit checks. What I do tend to ask for is 3-6 months bank statements''

Which is an incredibly intrusive request and frankly an appalling level of scrutiny.

All you need to know is that the tenants have a job and references from previous landlord.

@Ihavekids
''I'm a ll and I'd consider you if you offered slightly over market rent, a few months upfront''

Nice to see that you would take the opportunity to exploit the OP's situation...

Frankly OP I wish you all the best because when I read some of the posts by landlords here I truly despair.

@Artygirlghost- no one is forced to supply this, nor am I forced to accept prospective tenants who do not fit my criteria. Funnily enough, I've never had any problems.

Thanks everyone goes to show there's some LL out there willing to give people a chance. I think the main thing that sold it for us was being open and honest upfront and not just demanding a viewing etc x

That's amazing! Congrats on your new home 🏡

Congratulations! As a fellow tenant, I understand the stress and insecurity. Really pleased for you.

So happy you got the house.

DP wages alone cover 3x annual rent, so with line added covers even more.

We could buy if it wasn't for the scores, deposit isn't an issue.

If you live frugally and save like mad you could have enough to buy outright at auction, if getting a mortgage is a problem for you.

@Shopaholic123Go that's a great idea!!! Thank you we might just start saving towards that