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Renting/buying with criminal record.

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Mango92

Member since
May 2023

9 posts

Posted Thu December 12, 2024 10:15pmReport post

My dad has recently been sentenced for sexual contact with a minor and now has a criminal record as well as a SHPO and had to sign the sex offenders register. As a result, my parents are in the process of getting divorced and he's going to either have to rent or buy a flat. He's worried this is going to be impossible due to his record - not so much the referencing when renting (I think they check if you can afford the rent rather than other stuff, although might be wrong) but more about the fact that he's not going to be able to be put on buildings insurance in a rental/leasehold property. I've both rented and owned a leasehold flat and don't remember being asked to declare any criminal convictions at all, although it was admittedly a while ago. Surely if it does turn out to be a problem, he could just source his own buildings insurance, which I know is possible, albeit pricey - he's had to do it for his current home. Does anyone have any experience around and can shed any light/provide advice? Thanks so much in advance. He's panicking about it and it's increasing my stress levels on top of everything else!

LosingIt

Member since
September 2024

139 posts

Posted Thu December 12, 2024 11:46pmReport post

I think this has become more of a problem if you're already a tenant, it's hit the media, and the landlord has decided to evict or not renew the contract. You're right, most individual landlords don't ask about criminal convictions when renting. I think it might be different if you're renting off a big property management company in a city. But he should definitely be able to find somewhere to rent if he's got the money.

Edited Thu December 12, 2024 11:48pm

Lost in the dark

Member since
November 2024

8 posts

Posted Fri December 13, 2024 1:30pmReport post

Hi, I have read quite a bit when it comes to insurance including vehicle etc. and unfortunatly it is to be declared or in the event of a claim could invalidate the policy and leave the holder with a voided policy and no cover.



With a mortgage and rental application you are expected to declare any criminal convictions. Unfortunatly should they not be declared I think it would be considered application fraud. All something worth looking into.



i hope it all gets sorted x

Buckets

Member since
October 2023

62 posts

Posted Mon December 16, 2024 11:12amReport post

unlock.org has good resources on insurance and they did some research of where in applications convictions are asked. I believe there are some insurance brokers who can help find suitable insurance lenders for those with convictions.

My person rented when sentenced and didn't need to disclose. So renting might be an option for now. Car might be a bit more tricky. Many ask in the application of it is motor based, but then policy papers state any conviction...so if this spotted then I believe many have a grace period to resolve and if an issue they should be able to either adjust the policy or remove to allow for seeking an alternative. Again brokers might be able to help with this.

K4

Member since
October 2022

617 posts

Posted Mon December 16, 2024 12:13pmReport post

Home protect will insure those with convictions for house insurance. It was a bit more expensive than last insurers, but by about £5 a month

for car insurance, admiral ask about convictions but will insure.



direct line and Churchill don't ask about non-motoring offences.

AlwaysHopeful

Member since
March 2023

141 posts

Posted Thu December 19, 2024 6:19pmReport post

You have to declare if asked, we can not get a mortgage or move our existing mortgage while OH has an unspent conviction. Once spent, you do not have to declare. Our car insurance provider asked about unspent convictions but still insured, it's just slightly more expensive.

LifeRuined23

Member since
June 2023

59 posts

Posted Thu December 19, 2024 8:32pmReport post

Post deleted by user


Edited Thu December 19, 2024 8:34pm