Updating post from Reddit.
Hello.
I’m sure this has been asked a lot. But it’s all relatively confusing so I wanted your opinion with the context of my specific circumstances.
Backstory - I’m 30. Years ago when I was quite irresponsible and reckless I took a credit card out which I didn’t pay off and forgot about…
In the years since, I have completely sorted my life out and am now much more responsible financially. However, as I mentioned, I forgot about this credit card debit, which led to being rightfully issued a CCJ. I’ve now paid it off and satisfied the debt…
Me and my partner currently rent, we’re both doing well financially and looking to move in the following year. I want to know realistically what my options may look like.
My circumstances are: We’re both employed and earn good money. (My partner has just got a very well paying job)
My partner has no CCJ
We will both get good references from our landlord who we’ve lived for 5+ years and have never missed rent.
I have access to a guarantor who is a homeowner who can front the rent.
As a last resort I would be willing to pay more rent upfront if necessary.
I am unsure what my options look like and if anywhere will except us. If so who would be a smart bet to go to? any advice is most welcome.
(Side note, please don’t judge me too much for the CCJ. it’s probably the biggest mistake of my life so far and has been a learning curve)
Many landlords will judge you for it, for sure. Your saving grace is hopefully your partner - can she (on paper) afford the rent on her own? Because one route to consider, if you struggle, is having her as the tenant and you as a permitted occupier only - might sweeten the pill?
That’s really helpful, thank you.
You will find it very difficult. It's a big red flag.
Most agents will instantly give you a 'no'. If you are searching for a place on Rightmove/zoopla try to look for places advertised by openrent. Often these are landlords directly advertising and they may be sympathetic to your CCJ. Beat in mind everyone who has a CCJ is remorseful and has a reason. In addition, often landlord insurance will not cover landlords if the tenants have a CCJ so it goes beyond finding a sympathetic landlord.
Personally it would be an instant no for me. Why would I take the risk when I have 6/7 applications from people with perfect credit scores? I wouldn't.
You could just have your partner on the lease and then just act as the 'boyfriend with their own place who may stay over occasionally' card.
That’s really helpful, thanks.
When was your CCJ? Given that you've paid it off, have you secured a Certificate of Satisfaction?
https://www.gov.uk/county-court-judgments-ccj-for-debt/ccjs-and-your-credit-rating
Hello…! Each referencing company has their own referencing policy; relatively recently I know one will take a ccj even if not satisfied <500 pounds quid, others even if satisfied won’t. The important thing is disclosure. Always disclose it as sub-prime and expect needing to have a guarantor at best. If you can’t get a friend or family member to act as guarantor again, dependant on the company there are always options to get it passed.
Yeah always disclose it. Had many people not disclose it and force me to pay money to do a credit check to find out they had a CCJ.
Just wastes everyone's time
The sad truth is that for every rental property there are many many applicants and a landlord will likely seek to act to minimise risk. One potential Tennant has a credit issue you move on to the next.