Renting in the UK with Bad Credit: How to get accepted by landlords
So, you have found a house for yourself, and now you are worried about whether you may get it with a bad credit history. You are not alone. Every active person seeking a home on rent worries about the aspects which may make the landlord deny the rental.
However, getting a home on rent with bad credit is possible. Loan companies analyse multiple aspects other than just the credit score. The blog discusses the best ways to search for the landlords that accepts tenant with bad credit history.
Can you get a house on rent with a bad credit score?
Yes, you may get a house on rent with a bad credit score by paying a higher deposit, getting a guarantor, and getting checked by a private landlord. It is because private landlords are less likely to check the credit score, as it costs money.
You can also give 3-6 months of rent in advance to remove the risk associated with non-repayments due to bad credit history. Also, reveal consistent proof of valid income to convince the landlord of the rent's affordability.
What credit score do you need to rent a home in the UK?
There is no specific credit score to get a home on rent in the UK. Instead, the landlords check aspects like recent CCJ, bankruptcy, and details on the electoral roll to identify how reliable you are with consistent payment terms.
Moreover, landlords don’t see your credit scores. What matters is how the landlords view your finances. Some may agree to offer the house on rent despite credit issues. However, some may disapprove due to the chequered credit history.
Does missing rent affect credit score? What to do?
Yes, missing a rent payment drops your credit score. You must discuss the possibility of missing the rent payment with the landlord. Tell them you cannot pay this time.
If you cannot, as you have recently moved in, check personal loans for bad credit score online. These loans may help you get an instant sum against your income. Check and borrow only the amount that you can afford to repay comfortably on the loan. It may help you pay the rent on time and avoid eviction notices.
What affects the ability to get a suitable rental house?
The main aspects that affect the ability to get a suitable rental house are inconsistent income, poor credit score, unreliable employment status, previous rental history and deposit. Here is the brief of each:
a) Inconsistent income: One must earn 2.5-3x the monthly rent to qualify for affordable rentals in the UK. You need to provide valid income slips for 3 months, an employment contract, etc. Self-employed individuals must ensure self-assessment and recent projects to get the rental.
b) Credit score and history: There is no minimum credit score requirement. But landlords set their own standards. You must be registered at the current address on the electoral roll. Lengthy and stable rental history proves helpful.
c) Employment status: Landlords generally prefer individuals with stable income over self-employed individuals due to the chances of getting the rent on time. Students may need to provide a guarantor to get a rental.
d) Deposit: Generally, you can pay 2 months of the rent in advance. Check with your landlord and provide a higher amount if you can. It reduces the risk for them.
e) Lifestyle factors: Pets, smoking and number of tenants may affect getting a desirable home on rent.
5 Strategies to get accepted with landlords with bad credit histories
You can take some steps to improve the chances of getting a home on rent by contacting just the right landlords. Here is how to find them:
1) Start finding private landlords
Private landlords don’t use letting agents to spot the right tenant. Hence, you are more likely to find a rental home with them. Moreover, they do not conduct credit checks. It thus saves you from the fear of affecting your credit score. You can search for private landlords on portals like-
- Open Rent
- Spareroom.com
- Local social media groups
- Classified ads
2) Check guarantor suitability
Having a guarantor on a rental agreement increases the credibility for payments for the landlord. Thus, you are more likely to get a desirable home on rent with a guarantor rather than individually. It may also help you fetch an affordable rental as the guarantor acts as a security for non-repayments. He is liable to pay the rent if you cannot. For this, a guarantor must be a:
- Homeowner
- A valid citizen of the UK
- Must have a regular income and a good credit score
- Must pass the affordability and eligibility check
3) Provide a higher deposit amount
Undoubtedly, providing a higher deposit or advance rent may help you get a better rental home despite bad credit history. Check whether you may provide 6-12 months of advance rent as a deposit.
For example, if the monthly rent costs £7000, you must provide £42000(6 months rent) instead of £14000 (2 months) rent to get the specific rental. It increases the chances of getting one. However, you need to save enough before you start looking for the ideal rentals.
A higher deposit compensates for the poor credit history and reduces the risk for the landlord.
4) Prove reliable income
You need to reveal your stable income to demonstrate your ability to repay the rent on time. You must provide:
- Recent payslips (last 3 months)
- Employment contract
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Proof of benefits (if you are on Universal Credit)
5) Get previous landlord’s references
If you share a cordial relationship with your previous landlords, then you can ask them to provide a reference for your next rental agreement. The reference should include:
Timely rent payments
Property maintenance- How did you maintain the property
How you behaved as a responsible tenant
You have no records of disputes or complaints
Bottom line
Thus, getting a home on rent with a bad credit score is not impossible. It is about determining which landlords may agree to rent a home to you, given your chequered credit history. Include a guarantor, pay a higher deposit, 6-12 months of advance rent to increase the chances of getting a suitable rental home.
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