Refusing Credit Check Permission?

[Alphageek]

Hi,

I am considering renting a house and have received the letting agents application form. If I filled it all in as per their instructions, I would be giving my consent for them to carry out a search against my credit record.

However, looking at their fee structure and payment due dates I find no possible situation where I will be receiving any credit. Nor am I seeking for any credit.

Fees payable with application. Bond up front and rent up front each month.

What right do they have to consult my credit record when they are not offering any credit facilities?

Thanks all.

[MrShed]

They are....they cannot kick you out straight away if you do not pay rent. You are taking possession of a property with a contract COST of 6 months/12months TIMES the rent, all of which you wont pay upfront. No chance of you getting it without OKing a credit agreement, and nor should the letting agent allow you.

[Alphageek]

It does mention that I have the option of paying 6 months in advance.

Thanks for your input.

[MrShed]

If you pay 6 months in advance, even so they probably SHOULD credit check you, as you can still stay after the 6 months and owe money - although you should be able to be on a better bargaining ground in this case. However, most LAs will run a mile if you start being funny about the credit check - would suggest to them some issue that you did not want them to know. Not saying there is, but I'm sure you can understand the alarm bells it may ring with them.

[Alphageek]

Oh yes, one more thing.

They say their data controller for the purpose of the application will be HomeLet.

Their website says this about themselves.

HomeLet is a trading name of Erinaceous Insurance Services Limited, a member of the Erinaceous Group Plc. This division includes additional brands including Let Plan, Truckinsure and Sportsure.
HomeLet is located at Becor House, Green Lane, Lincoln, LN7 6DL. Tel 0845 117 6000. Visitors are welcome and can be accommodated by appointment.
Erinaceous Insurance Services Limited, Phoenix House, 11 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 2NW is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Our FSA Register number is 308724.
Our permitted business is arranging general insurance contracts.
You can check this on the FSA Register by visiting the FSA's website FSA Register or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.

What has someone whose "permitted business is arranging general insurance contracts" got to do with credit referencing for letting agents?

[MrShed]

The letting agent will have insurance for loss of rent etc. This insurance will only be valid if the tenant is fully credit checked and referenced. It is not unusual for this insurance company to have a department that deals with credit checks directly, rather than the letting agent using a third party. Homelet are well known in the industry by the way, they are not some two bit setup!

[rosysparkle]

Without satisfactory references, no letting agent would be prepared to allow you to rent a property.

[Alphageek]

Ok, it's the 1st time I have rented so was just making sure they were not a "two-bit setup" as MrShed kindly points out.

Thanks all.

[MrShed]

Not a problem