renting from estate agent in the uk???

[jilkfree1978]

we are moving to england in 4 weeks time and we are wondering what we need to show to rent in the uk?

also we live in japan now and cant get any references from previous landlord,they dont use references,and they only write and speak in japanese... i have emailed some agents but they dont reply!

we have been in japan 2 years,before that i lived in the uk with my parents for 4 years..

i think most contracts on property are 6 months,if we paid the full 6 months rent with deposit in full will estate agents accept that?? also i will have a job!

[Bevdeforges]

It seems to be a universal problem for us expats - providing adequate references for renting a flat on arrival. If you're employed, you should be able to get your employer to provide a reference (at least documenting your income). If that's not adequate, pre-payment of the rent should certainly convince them that you're a good credit risk!
Cheers,
Bev

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

It seems to be a universal problem for us expats - providing adequate references for renting a flat on arrival. If you're employed, you should be able to get your employer to provide a reference (at least documenting your income). If that's not adequate, pre-payment of the rent should certainly convince them that you're a good credit risk!
Cheers,
Bev

Most letting agents would do a credit check on you (you have to pay for it), and if you don't pass, they will either decline to take you on as a tenant or ask for a guarantor - a householder with established income, such as your parents? They may accept 6 months rent in advance - it depends. There is also a question of paying deposit or bond - it can be equivalent to a month's rent or more, though some landlords charge a month's or two rent in advance, to avoid having to go through with deposit protection scheme.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Joppa

Most letting agents would do a credit check on you (you have to pay for it), and if you don't pass, they will either decline to take you on as a tenant or ask for a guarantor - a householder with established income, such as your parents? They may accept 6 months rent in advance - it depends. There is also a question of paying deposit or bond - it can be equivalent to a month's rent or more, though some landlords charge a month's or two rent in advance, to avoid having to go through with deposit protection scheme.

I'm fairly sure that the guarantor is no longer used by rental agents!!??


Jo xxx

[Joppa]

Originally Posted by jojo

I'm fairly sure that the guarantor is no longer used by rental agents!!??Jo xxx

They certainly do, as do private landlords letting direct without using an agent, esp where tenants are on benefit, students, without established UK residence or employment longer than 6 months.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Joppa

They certainly do, as do private landlords letting direct without using an agent, esp where tenants are on benefit, students, without established UK residence or employment longer than 6 months.

I'm sure you're right then. I just know when we lived in the UK, my oldest daughter wanted to rent with her boyfriend and due to her not having a long enough record with her job or a credit history, we offered to act as guarantors and the rental company told us that they no longer used that service as it was almost impossible to recover moneys from anyone other than the tenants thru the courts


Jo xxx

[jilkfree1978]

i have contacted a estate agent in the uk,which we would like to use!
i told them our situation and they said if i have a job i need a letter of how much pay and when my starting day will be, and they will do a credit check...
its ok i have only lived in japan 2 years,i am from the uk and have a very good credit history..
thank you all for your replies... james