Hi all,

Is it neccessary/advisable to obtain a credit reference (from 1 of the registered agencies in UK) before we leave for Sydney? I just wondered if this is something that landlords will want to see or if it is needed to take out contracts for mobiles, services etc...

5 weeks to take off and counting!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks James

I wouldn't bother. Most won't be the slightest bit interested in, or impressed by, UK references.

Don't bother, we brought loads of references over for different things, meant zilch to the Aussies.

Would agree don't bother - total waste of time to most Aussies!

Thanks guys,

That has saved me a bit of money and it all counts at the moment!

J

The rental agents I spoke to were more interested in previous rental receipts, which we didn't have because lets face it - it's more common to pay a landlord electronically back in the UK.

The only thing it's worth bringing is proof of your no claims bonus for car insurance and recent mortgage statements.

they weren't interested in my NCB. car insurance way cheaper than UK anyways !!
to rent house - wanted past rental receipts but not possible when you have been an owner/occupier for 20+ years! Luckily owner is expat Pom so understood. Bank statements showing savings (house sale cash) helped as we have no employment yet !

Also

If you get a credit card here, it detracts from any other borrowing like a mortgage or loan

I wangled a credit card and ive just cancelled it, as i rang up for a mortgage, they asked how much credit card limit was, gave me 2 prices for if i had a credit card or not.

the cards limit was 1800 dollars, im 0 balance, never use it

The difference was about 8-10 k if i did or didnt have a credit card how much more mortgage i could get.

Its completely opposite to the uk credit where there you build it up oiver years. Here you get it with how much you are earning at the time.

My employee got a mortgage 4 weeks after being in the country, 2 weeks in to employment with 2 wage slips i printed out on the computer.

Go figure.

I'd say get it, but so far based on one factor. If you go to experian online, then a credit reference costs £1 per person. That is nothing. You then have it and if you ever need it then it could make a big difference.
We got them, and the bank wasn't interested. However, if next week a rental agent asks for them, we have them and it cost £2 for us.

You get insurance hoping never to claim, it's the same thing. Only takes about 10 mins per person.

Ditto - no interest in UK NCB but based on my age/experience etc NRMA gave me Cat 1 for life (ie OZ full NCB protected)

As far as our first rental goes references given but never taken up!

No statements etc looked at just application forms x2 (his & hers) and 10min chat with the rental manager and look around the property and it was ours.

Neither of us were working at the time.

I will add that the rental manager and I got on well in a "I could have a beer with this guy" way and they obviously have ultimate yay or nay discretion.

Also our first rental was in Qld so more laid back than Vic - but on moving to Vic we then had the advantage of the 6 month QLD rental track record.

Don't worry you'll be right!

The thing is they are legally worthless in this country, you may as well print your own as they could never legally be checked or hold any weight in these circumstances.

You may find that they will become very interested if you ever need to make a substantial claim

G