Rent referencing - how strict?

[Honeypot14]

Hi,
Looking at the perfect house that I imagine is going to be very popular and the rent is extremely high. However, it’s worth it in my view for many reasons like location, logistics, making life easier etc

I am a single parent and on a good wage. I can definitely afford it but I’m worried as I had a default 3 year ago. I didn’t even know I had it until I checked! I was horrified! It was something that I hadn’t set up as DD and was for £42! Kicked myself for a long time.

i also had missed payments beginning of last year (I was on maternity and again, didn’t set up DD’s usually just remembered to pay - life was. Turned upside down for a while and so they were paid late / when I realised etc)

I have tried so hard to build my credit since then. I’ve been extremely sensible with money. Everything is green ticked on my credit file for the last year.

Is This going to be an automatic fail of me not getting the house? It’s all done via a portal and I’m wondering if it’s black and white yes/no or will there be things that you can write and explain discrepancies etc.

I sound like such a foolish, silly girl who is immature with money but I’ve really turned it around. I just hope that’s picked up on however have a feeling it may not make a difference :(

This is my dream home, our dream home and we so desperately want it!

Thanks in advance :)

Shameless bump 🫢😰

I offered to pay six months rent in advance if I failed the affordability. (Was going to take out a loan if necessary). Affordability was absolutely fine. If all green on credit file you should be fine.

They are very strict now as there are so many people going for the one property - who would you rent to if you were a Landlord? Someone who has no defaults or someone with defaults? Sadly they are also favouring people without children and pets - they don't advertise this, but again with so many people going for one property, as a Landlord you are going to choose a working couple over anyone with defaults, kids and pets as the wear and tear on the property will be less and they are more guaranteed of the rent being paid. I guess the chance of your success may be down to how much competition there is for properties in your area, whether you could list a guarantor and if possibly you could pay 6 months upfront as a sweetener. Best of luck it's difficult out there at the moment.