www.iva.co.uk

i have alot of debt and am on a dmp i need to rent is it worth going through an estate agent when a credit check will show a bad score

Hi yes its still worth a try. Some people find it ok. You will probably just need a bigger deposit.

If you cannot get a property through an agent you could try local adverts by private landlords. They normally look for a reference from your existing landlord, employer or bank as they do not have access to your credit file.

If you have a lot of debt and no assets have you considered an IVA or bankruptcy rather than a DMP?

The smaller independent estate agents may be easier than the bigger high street names.

Hi jayne.6,

I'd suggest that you are upfront about the debt management plan with any agent you speak with before the credit check.

This will give you the opportunity to explain that your DMP actually prioritises rent payments.

If you can supply a reference from your current (or a previous) landlord it will be to your advantage.

The agents will often contact the landlord to see whether they would consider you despite a less than perfect record.
Your honesty, and a history of paying rent on time, would go a long way to reassure most potential landlords.

A lot of people do manage to get rental properties even if they have a poor credit rating - but as Andrew has advised it is best to be upfront about your financial position prior to the check being made.