Discharged for 10 years

A question about : Discharged for 10 years

I’d like some advice please.

My partner and I are looking to move away and rent a house.

I’m more than aware that Bankruptcy can affect the chances of getting a Landlord to take us on.

I went Bankrupt in 2004 and was discharged in 2005. It is no longer on my Credit File as I have checked.

I’m aware that if I’m asked, I legally have to state that I have been Bankrupt, even though it was 10 years ago and it’s clear off my files, I still have to do it. My partner seems to think that because of that I’m never going to get anything as once a bad payer, always a bad payer (he has a weird attitude when it comes to things like this).

We recently looked at a house which we both fell in love with and the Estate Agent sent a Homelet form for us to fill in. He noticed the question “Have you ever had a CCJ or adverse credit history”, now he thinks our job search is all over and we had a bit of a disagreement about it last night.

My Credit file isn’t squeaky clean as I had a few big issues last year when I was unemployed, and there are a few missed payments, but it’s improving month by month and I’m really pleased with the progress of it. I’m doing everything I can to get myself up another level.

I’m currently working – temping actually. It’s to tide us over until we move, and we are saving like crazy. We are actually re-locating, so a temp job for me is much easier, so that when we do move, I only have to give a weeks notice.

We are saving so that we have at least 6 months rent in the account, should I not find a job in the new area immediately. Although having spoken to several recruitment agencies, finding a job will not be a problem and I’m prepared to do anything (cleaning, shelf stacking) until I find something in my expertise. My partner has his own business and has made a real success out of it for the last 16 years. He also has a very reliable, secure guarantor.

Best answers:

• I don't know the answer but would be suprised if you are legally obliged. I would guess that just because they are legally permitted to ask doesn't mean you are legally obliged to answer. If it was me I'd say no and be done with it. What's the worse that can happen for a rental?
• So this?
• The question is, ''Do you have.....'', not, ''Have you ever......''!!
  You appear not to have any CCjs against you, or any of teh other debt remedies mentioned.
  Your BAnkruptcy ended with Discharge.
  Aside from the London Gazette, there is no longer any public record.
  The answer would be 'NO'....
  And, if a partner has issues with insolvency, bankruptcy, etc, they need their attitudes re-adjusting, seriously...IMHO!
• It actually says do you have adverse history, not current history, but that aside - if you have 6 months rent in advance I think that that speaks louder than the adverse credit history.
• Hi Delilahh
  I think you are entitled to interpret the term "credit history" here as referring to the past six years, which is all that your credit file will reflect at any given time. If the letting agency want to know about anything older, then it's up to them to phrase their questions more clearly.
  I cannot see for one second, however, why information that is more than six years old should have any bearing whatsoever on your eligibility for a private tenancy.
  Why not contact Homelet directly and ask for clarification?
  Dennis
  @natdebtline