FAQs
These are a selection of the
most common questions - Frequently Asked Questions.
What report will credit check a tenant?
These are essentially
similar to credit checks on consumers however certain
information and the disclosure requirements for certain
information may differ. Legislation requires that every
search of a UK consumer is recorded, and the purpose for
the search is recorded. Each search leaves a 'footprint'
on the consumers credit file, and it is therefore
required that the purpose of the search is recorded. If
the search is for a tenant credit check, then the search
may be recorded as a tenant search or screening or
similar. However it should be noted that it may not in
fact be a credit check as no credit is normally extended
to tenants.
What information is
shown on a tenant credit check?
The amount and type of information
disclosed will differ if the search is for credit
purposes or for tenant screening. Credit is not normally
extended to tenants, and as such a credit check may not
be appropriate for tenant screening, although the agent
or landlord may wish to search the tenants credit report
in order to verify information such as previous
addresses and adverse credit data. Under legislation
consumers have rights to limit the availability of
personal data for certain types of enquiry as therefore
a tenant screening check or tenant credit check may not
provide certain information. A normal credit check can
show if the person is listed on the Electoral Roll
and any previous addresses they have lived at, and
whether any CCJs have been recorded, or bankruptcy or
insolvency. Records go back six years. How
quickly you pay any loans or credit cards may
be shown too.
Who uses
credit reference agencies?
Banks, finance houses, store card
companies, telephone providers, all may want to check credit. These companies can see the information that
has been compiled about the applicant and use this to help
them decide whether the person looks to be a good credit risk.
Can a landlord refuse
to let me be a tenant?
Landlords are not compelled
to let their property and you cannot demand to be allowed to rent a property.
If the landlord or agent runs checks and take out references, and decide not to
accept you as a tenant, you cannot demand that you be allowed to become
a tenant in the property.
Who can run a tenant credit
check?
The tenant
credit checks can be run by letting agencies, or by
landlords, provided that they have permission to run a
credit search, and that they are registered with the
correct licences to access personal
data.
More Credit Check FAQs? See
a comprehensive list of Credit Report FAQs. |
