...not sure if this is the same as asking how long is a piece of string but...

I've made an application to rent a flat through a letting agent in Sheffield it's been over a week with no news. I've been sent a letting saying not to phone as they will contact me as soon as they know. Is it normal to have to wait this long? My main concern is, if for some reason I'm refused it will be a last minute panic to find somewhere else!

I'd be interested to hear any other people's experiences with this situation...?

Best wishes

Hi, I rent and with both of our rental places we waited about 2-3 weeks before everything was ready to go. They do credit checks, check your employment details etc etc. I think they could let you know how things are going as we were the same we were on edge waiting, but they don't! They will only refuse you if you have bad credit or references are poor or employment is not as you say it is (or something along those lines). So unless any of those apply try not to worry and just sit tight and wait. I hate having to be in their hands, they call all the shots, but thats what you get with renting I'm afraid!! Good luck.

It takes about 24 hours to perform a credit check - depending upon if references are being taken that can take a little longer - but expediently about 3/4 days. Contact your letting agent and find out what's going on just saying you are keen to know - sorry to bother them but can they give you an approximate response time - that's not unreasonable. If you credit history is ok and you can afford the rent on the property you are hoping to let, then there should be not problem. People think credit checks are much worse than what they actually are.

HI there

I let a flat last year through Blundells and it took a day for the checks to take place as all they did was call my employer.

It seems bizarre that they should take so long - what happens if you are desperately in need of a place?

I personally would chase them as it is a mere courtesy for them to give you an indication of when you can expect everything to be sorted.