Hi there, hopefully someone here will be able to answer my questions re: guarantors.
Background: I am looking to rent a house after starting a new job and moving area. My previous rental was private, through a friend, and I've never had any problems paying the rent for that house or any previous rentals.
My problem is that after a very bitter divorce I had to take over the debts of my ex-wife, including defaulted debts, and there is no way that I will now pass a credit check. There were CCJs involved but in her name only, (but as I now pay these I'm not sure how they affect me), and many of the debts I took over that were defaulted I pay monthly through debt collection agencies.
I am in a very well-paid job and will have no problem paying any rent, but because of the above I realise I will need a guarantor and my brother is happy to do this.
Question: all of the places I've looked at so far have been through estate agents who have invariably informed me that they will charge an admin fee to check my credit. As I know this will come back as 'bad' am I just throwing my money away with them or will they only charge this if and when I agree to take the rental?
Also, one estate agent told me that instead of the one-month's rent up front plus a deposit that others have asked for, they will require SIX MONTHS rent up front! So, how legal is this, what will be asked of my brother as a guarantor, and more importantly can I find a place to rent without going through rip-off estate agents?
Many thanks.