Hi. Your IVA will still show up on a credit check for 6 years from the date it started (assuming all default dates are correctly recorded). And, yes, agents do carry out credit checks.
That said, be up front with them, you don't want to be paying for a credit check you know will be sour if they aren't prepared to work around it.
Many agents can accomodate us "unclean" by asking for a larger deposit or rent up front, or getting a guarantor. Often the landlord they represent, when given the facts, will override the credit check --- one of our posters recently found a prospective landlord who had also been in an IVA!
Alternatively, try private landlords who don't usually credit check, but will possibly require references.
Many of us have rented in our IVA's, so it should be easier after !
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014