Credit checks and renting a property

[Tiggsy]

I'm about to start looking at renting a flat, never rented before - bought my first place at 20 when I left home.

What do landlords need to see from potential renters? Setting up my business over the last few years means I have a tatty looking history - late payments and stuff - nothing close to CCJ type stuff though....more indicative of someone too busy to pay bills rather than anything else!

So - does that matter? I know it would if I went to a bank for a personal loan but what about a flat? I have ample income, etc so there is no financial issue. Have to admit....never even thought about checks - just assumed you went and got a place like renting a car for a week!

T

[slinky]

Checks aren't that extreme, without CCJs or anything nasty you should be fine.
If it comes to it, the LL may ask for 6 months up front if there is a concern.

[Tiggsy]

Cool. Good to know.

[HBFS]

I was very concerned when applying to rent somewhere a few years ago as my credit rating was crap.
The estate agents assured me that it was just to confirm my identity (Even though they already took a photocopy of my passport) and make sure that I didn't have any CCJ's, hadn't previously flee'd the country etc.

Sure enough the check went through no problem.

These guys have security with the deposit anyway.