alright chaps,
Sorry - this isnt strictly taxi related so hope you don't mind:
I am just in the process of trying to move house, landlord wants to sell. Problem is no landlord (or should i say letting agent) will touch me now. i haven't been self employed long and so i dont have 1000 years of accounts to show them to prove my income, i dont even have an accountant as i do it myself. My credit record is good (had no problem borrowing 13k for a new taxi) that isnt good enough tho.
...Most of these letting agents round my way now use companies to do background checks, you pay £80-£150 for the privilege of having your life scrutinised. Fair do i suppose, i can see why landlords want to do it. But if you dont come up smelling of roses then its a case of "computer says no". These checking companies want to speak with your accountant (which i dont have), and from my research i beleive most of them wont touch self employed with less than 6 years accounts.
Some landlords will take you on with 6 months rent up front. no chance! i dont have that sort of money and what if the landlord goes bankrupt? you can kiss your £3000 goodbye. Some will take you on with a guarantor but sadly i am not 16 anymore so mummy and daddy are long retired, and most of mt friends are struggling to look after their own familys without having to worry about being the fall guy for my rent - if i am injured and cant work then they are gonna have to pay my rent.
The letting agents, honest caring and sharing people that they are dont tell you you are going to fail for being self employed and having little in the way of accounts until you hand over the NON-refundable fee.
wouldnt expect anything less from them tho...
Anyone here had problems renting a place because of being self employed? Im getting pretty desperate now, been looking for places for weeks. I am starting to eye up a few cosy looking park benches.
