Comments on: need help in getting a flat to rent with very bad credit ?

By: Steven B

Steven B — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:31:48 +0000

Best bet, I think, is to use a private landlord that will accept housing benefit. Many do, especially because the rent is guaranteed, and if they went through an agent they’d lose a percentage of their income.

Look in your local paper and make phone calls. It’s always better to be honest, so explain your situation and ask if they accept housing benefit and do credit checks.

My brother-in-law is a discharged bankrupt with more, recent, CCJs than you can shake a stick at, but he found a sympathetic landlord quite easily. Now is a good time for people wishing to rent; landlords are worried about having unoccupied properties and no income, and are unable or unwilling to sell.

Good luck!

By: BARRY B

BARRY B — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:29:40 +0000

It is just as likely that a private landlord will do credit checks as well.
If you are able to claim housing benefit for agent’s fees, go to an agent and be upfront with them. Thousands of people are in your position. The agents will want to get their pound of flesh so they won’t turn you away!
If you can’t offset the agent’s fees, which are always horrendous, look for a private landlord who is happy to accept DSS (many state they are) and be honest with him/her. It is far better to start off on the right foot than be rejected because you tried to conceal your difficulties.
Most decent landlords will appreciate your honesty and think all the more of you for it.

By: dloverise

dloverise — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:47:30 +0000

Contact citizens advice bureau…

By: OriginalBubble

OriginalBubble — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:13:39 +0000

Okay, yes it will affect you, most landlord will not touch you. It was a problem for me too, so I decided to share with someone. Because they earned enough money to pay the rent on their own,the agency was fine with us.

If you are going to have housing benefit why not get a council house.
or get a guarantor

By: Sal*UK

Sal*UK — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:10:54 +0000

Yes, your reference will be bad - housing benefit helps but you will probably have to get a guarantor. It very much depends on the landlord - and how good the renting agency are at putting information to him.

Probably better to look at private renting.