How to rent with a poor credit history
Landlords and agents can ask credit referencing agencies about your credit history.
This includes:
unpaid debts
missed loan payments
money judgments against you
They must ask your permission to do a credit check.
Be honest if you're asked about your credit history. You could lose your holding deposit if you do not declare issues you know about.
Your credit score
You can check your credit score for free with Experian. Experian is a credit reference agency.
It's also a good idea to check with Equifax and TransUnion. This is because some creditors might not put their information about your credit history on Experian.
Look for mistakes on your credit file.
You can add a note to say why you did not pay a debt.
If you're in dispute with a creditor about a debt, add a note to say this.
Disputes about your credit file
Contact the credit reference agency or lender if information on your credit file is wrong.
You can ask them to fix it. You should get a response within 1 month.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can look into complaints about credit file disputes.
You can read more about credit file disputes on the ICO website. Look for their 'Credit explained' leaflet.
Do shared finances affect your credit record?
Your credit record could be affected if you have a joint account, loan, mortgage or credit card with someone.
The other person is called a 'financial associate' on your credit report.
They can affect your score if they have a bad credit history.
You can change this. Write to the credit reference agencies. Ask for 'disassociation' from the person if you are no longer financially linked to them.
You need to close down any joint financial accounts first.
Being married or in a civil partnership does not always mean your partner's poor credit affects you.
It is only if you have a joint account, loan or credit card with them.
If you cannot pass a credit check
A landlord might still let to you if you cannot pass a credit check.
Rent in advance
You could offer the landlord rent in advance.
Check what your contract says about when rent should be paid.
If you renew your tenancy, ask your landlord if you:
need to keep paying rent in advance
should get a guarantor if you cannot keep paying rent in advance
pay rent weekly or monthly when your fixed term contract ends
Guarantors
You could ask a friend or family member to be your guarantor. This means they pay your rent if you miss any payments.
Your guarantor might have to pass a credit check or give information about their finances.
Your council's housing department might have a scheme to help if you do not have anyone who can be your guarantor.
There are guarantor companies that charge you to be your guarantor.
Make sure you understand what happens if you or another joint tenant misses a payment.
Speak to landlords
Landlords who do not use a letting agent are less likely to carry out credit checks.
They might need proof of your finances and renting history.
Look in local social media groups and forums for properties to rent direct from landlords.
Check with friends, family and people at work to see if they know landlords in the area.
Help with housing from your council
Your council could help you find a place if you're at risk of homelessness.
Deal with debts
It could be hard to find a private rented home if you have:
an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA)
a debt relief order (DRO)
missed payments for loans or credit cards
a county court judgment (CCJ)
been declared bankrupt
Speak to a debt adviser if you have debt or credit issues.
It's best if you deal with debts as soon as you can.
It could take time to improve your credit rating
Help with rent and cost of living
Find out about:
Extra help if you claim universal credit
Utility bills and your rights
Emergency grants, loans and money help
Make sure you claim all the benefits and support that you can.
Last updated: 16 December 2024
