Potential Landlord wants to do Credit Check and Bank Check?

[RoyalIrish]

Hi All,

 

We are having to move because our current landlord has decided he wants to sell the house.

 

He tried to con us into staying and paying rent until the house was sold by pretending the house sale was just a ploy for the bank, as if!

 

Another story!

 

Anyhow, we have found a house that may suit but have been told by the letting agents that they have to do a Credit Check with Experian and a 'bank check' and this costs US £20.00!!!!!!

 

Surely an estate agent is not allowed to access credit reports for potential renters, are they?

 

Does anyone know what info they are entitled to get on us, if any?

 

Our credit files are 'not good' at the moment due to hard times BUT we haven't missed a rent payment in 7 years which in my opinion is more apt!

 

I don't understand why the need for Experian and a Bank check, how on earth do you do a bank check?

 

To be honest I am of the opinion to tell the letting agency/Estate Agent to 'feck off' , the nerve of them wanting to write to our bank BUT we have to get a place quick!

 

Has anyone more info regarding this kind of nonsense?

 

I read on 'moneysavingexpert' that the Experian check is very limited and only shows certain info not defaults etc. can anyone confirm this?

 

Thanks,

 

RoyalIrish

[Googley2]

Frankly £20 is very cheap considering what some agents are charging for the same (up to £200!!!). When we have previously had a bank check done they write to the bank and get a letter in reply saying you are ok (not okay) for the monthly rent some it doesnt open up your bank account to them. Experian report you can look at yourself via the Experian website and they wont see more than you or write to them with a cheque for £3 and they will send it to you. It will certainly show up any defaults, missed payments, ccj's, etc.

 

Some landlords are doing as yours suggested (fake sale) but it is illegal and dodgy you are better off out of there.

 

This really isnt nonsense but industry common and done all the time - any new landlord or agent will want to do the same or more and probably cost you a lot more than the £20 suggested fee. It really is usual and normal and your getting it pretty cheap.

[RoyalIrish]

Thanks for the reply!

 

I also found out that the Letting Agent ALSO wants to see both our recent wage slips.

 

I now find this WAY too intrusive and will not be proceeding!

[papasmurf1cx]

You may come across this problem again, as the landlord is trying to ensure he does not have potential problems. Maybe a better tactic would be to honest up front and evidence the good record you have had in the last 7 years?

[MrShed]

Thanks for the reply!

 

I also found out that the Letting Agent ALSO wants to see both our recent wage slips.

 

I now find this WAY too intrusive and will not be proceeding!

 

This is pretty much standard. And rightly so - at the end of the day, they are letting you take exclusive possession of property worth (no doubt) a 6 figure sum.

 

It would be negligent of them to NOT ask to see such things.