tenant credit checks

[~sillycow~]

I have viewed a house this wk through a lady, no association with letting agents and really wanted it.

She said she would need copy of passport, current tenancy agreement, proof of address and national insurance number. I provided all of the above.

She also needed my current landlord to provide a reference. I have lived in my present rented property for 3 and a half yrs and the only reason he is selling is due to family illness.

My landlord gave the reference today and she said she has made up her mind, the house is mine providing the credit check is ok.

I am a born worrier, I wondered what exactly they look for when carrying out a credit check? Is it the same type of check they do when you apply for a loan etc or is it a different check specifically for tenants? I haven't got the best credit history but my current landlord gave me a very good reference.

Any ideas or knowledge on this? thank-you

[bushbaby_de]

They will be checking if you can be relied on to pay the correct amount on the correct date. It's different to a commercial credit check as they aren't 'scoring' you per se as they won't be looking at whether they can get interest payments out of you, just that they will actually get their rent on time each month. If you have too many late payments or defaults they may ask for a guarantor.

[~sillycow~]

I see, thanks for that. She already asked for a I guarantor, which I have and she was fine with that.

I thought it was a different check but was unsure. That has put my mind a rest a little. Thank you x

[bushbaby_de]

You're welcome :)