Property credit catch
Question
I'm due to be discharged from bankruptcy in six months. My partner finishes university this year and then we'll need to find somewhere to rent. She has a good credit rating, but I'm worried that because of my situation we'll struggle to find a place to live. Can you please give me some information on how letting agents may react to my situation?
Answer
Many letting agents will carry out a credit check before agreeing to give you a tenancy. How a particular letting agent will react to you being an undischarged bankrupt will vary.
If your partner applies in her own name, they might not want to carry out a credit check on you. However, if you have any financial connection (for example, a joint bank account) the credit reference agencies may be able to link you with your partner's information. This may affect her credit rating.
If your partner obtained a tenancy in her name only, this would affect your rights. You'd be an excluded occupier and your partner could force you to leave if she decided to do so.
If you would prefer to have a joint tenancy, you may be able to negotiate with the letting agent or landlord if you can show you are able to pay the rent. They may want you to provide a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you do not.
You could also try dealing with landlords directly. Some landlord's don't use a letting agent and may be less likely to carry out a credit check. You could try looking in the local papers and cards in local shop windows.
The Information Commissioner's Office has details of where and how you can get hold of information about your own credit reference file. You have a right to see your own file and to correct any inaccurate information.
Updated: 19/09/2008
Question answered by Shelter
