My husband is a UK returning resident and I will be joining him. What do we need to qualify to rent a property

Question

I have read somewhere that Estate Agents will do a credit check on you (that will not be a problem) but, I also read that you have to be employed there for 6 months prior. But we will only now be moving there, so we would not be able to be employed six months prior. We have significant savings, would showing that help? I really don't want to live in a house share, which was one of the suggestions on the previous website.

Answer 1

I certainly did not have 6 months history either when I first rented in the UK, but got a letter from my employer stating that my contract was for 6 months minimum and the letting agency had no issue (I was made permanent after that, but even temping was enough). They asked for my previous addresses and a reference from a previous landlord (mine was in French of course, but they accepted it without translation), then normal 1 month rent upfront and 1 month deposit - no issue at all.

You can call estate agents before you move to the UK and check what paperwork tehy require, then get your husband future employer to confirm his status for the estate agent - you should be just fine.

Answer 2

Hi

Seeing you have checkable work records this should help, maybe get you employers to write a reference for you to bring with you, with a contact details, preferably a fax no or email.

A guarantor in this country may be the answer, somebody who lives in UK is employed, with a checkable record themselves.

The other option may be that you could pay 6 months up front on your rent. While not email some agents in the area you are going, and ask what their criteria is. It will also mean they have knowledge of you when you do arrive.

Answer 3

Usually 1 month's rent as deposit and 1 month's rent in advance. 2 referees are normally asked for - a bank reference is a good one. If your bank is overseas if would be a good idea to have a printed reference (in English) made just before you come. A current employer's reference is sometimes asked for but I've never been asked for 6 months prior. There are no hard and fast legal requirements - lots of good private landlords don't go through agencies anyway. The standard contract is six months, renewable on both sides, and pre-printed legal forms are available from stationer's shops.

Answer 4

Your husband’s employer can help you on that; find a suitable house and be a guarantor since you don’t have the history required. I always do that, as my job requires permanent relocation.

Answer 5

some estate agents are really fussy, even if you have tons of savings they dont care and wont let you rent from them, but just keep going to different estate agents and you will find one that does let you. you might even offer to pay rent in advanced for like 6 months if you have that much savings.

Answer 6

You can rent a property no matter your nationality.

Are yo also not a U.S. citizen?

Answer 7

Yeah honey just open your purse & the corrupt system will welcome you both :)