Parker

Does anyone know what we will need by way of references so we are able to rent a flat?
We are moving to Sydney. Having owned a house for many years don't really have references from landlords to give to new landlods.
Are there any other alternatives that would be acceptable, ie bank references?

ProofReader

A bank reference would certainly help, as would bank statements showing either regular mortgage payments and/or lots of funds!

Good luck in your quest.

LindyLoo

Here's what we needed;

2 Aussie contacts, personal/professional to give you a reference.
Bank statement, proving you can pay the rent for the term of the lease.
Evidence of regular mortgage payment in the UK. (if you didn't pay rent)
Bank reference from UK, confirming that you can organise your money.

Some people pay 3/6 months rent up front. This normally puts you at the front of the queue if a lot of people are interested in the same property.

this link was running last week

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=292679

alwin328

hello...

Whts the approx. monthly rent in Sydney ..

Mongrol

What if you never had any mortgage payments? (hey, I`m lucky)
And whats this bank reference? If I ask my back for a reference will they know what I mean?

LindyLoo

If you paid rent, then a reference from your landlord.

Estate agents (essentially who you rent from) want proof that you can pay the rent for the term of the lease.

So they ask for evidence from the UK that you can manage your money. My bank gave me a reference saying that I was a regular wage earner, paid my bills on time and kept my bank account in order. The Royal Bank of Scotland did this free, I know some banks charge.

No-one has actually looked at these (even though they are requested), they were much more interested in my Aussie bank balance!!! No surprise there.

Mongrol

I don't pay rent either. I did say I was lucky.

LindyLoo

If you lived with your mum and dad, get them to write a nice letter about you!

Mongrol

I don't think you quite get it. My house is paid up. I haven't paid a mortgage in some 8 years.

biggy

we didnt need any references...just a note from hubbys work sayin he had a perm contract

philian4

Hi,

we gave a copy of our Oz bank statement and the names of two referees in Oz (neither were contacted). Copies of Passports that was it.

Good luck

Phil

asfry

We supplied, bank statements from uk, passports, uk driving licences, uk credit history reports from experian and equifax, letter from commonwealth confirming the ammount we had transferred to their account in brisbane. mortgage statement from nationwide and reference from my employer saying I was employed by them (i'm only causal at mo too!!). We then offered to pay a couple of months upfront and that swung it.

Geordie George

Obviously depends on what sort of place you're looking for and where. If you can give some more details of what you're after, might be able to help?

Otherwise you could try any of the rental agents' websites to get a feel.

GG