First time renting, need some help.

[Jkay]

Hi guys I need a bit of advice as this will be one first time renting a house.

My wife and I have seen a house which we want to rent out for 6 months as we have sold our current house (we were expecting it to take a few months to sell but it's took 4 days!) We have purchased a new house but that is due to be completed in about 4-5 months as its in a new development, so we need a house as we empty our current house in about 3 weeks.

Now the agency use someone called homelet for checking before letting a property, but my wife has a terrible credit history but mines squeaky clean would that lower our chances of getting a rental house as I will be the only one responsible for the bills and rent etc?

Also been asked for a holding deposit, should this be refundable if the checks don't go through?

[DPT57]

There should be a holding deposit agreement which would specify the conditions under which it can be retained. If there isn't one then essentially you should expect the deposit back unless you withdraw after references have been taken up or unless you fail to disclose something and fail references as a consequence.

Unless you can match the affordability criteria for a property on your income alone you are going to struggle and I would suggest you explain the situation to the agent. You may also struggle to get a 6 month tenancy. I was looking for one last year when we needed to be out of our home for 6 months for refurbishment, but the best I could find was 12 months with a possible 6 month break clause.

[theartfullodger]

http://england.shelter.org.uk/legal/...nted_housing#1

[jpkeates]

Now the agency use someone called homelet for checking before letting a property, but my wife has a terrible credit history but mines squeaky clean would that lower our chances of getting a rental house as I will be the only one responsible for the bills and rent etc?

I would suggest that you rent the property in your name only with your wife as a permitted occupant, not a tenant.

It's possible that that won't help.
When it comes to renting, having a terrible credit history is a real handicap.

At very least be upfront with the agent/landlord about the issue.