Proof of income?

[MistressInLatex]

Hello folks,

I am graduating from university and will be moving into my first flat not funded by student loans in July. Or, at least, I am looking to. I am making enough on AW each month to pay my rent, bills and live off; by all means, AW is my main source of income, and is how I intend to make my money. However, I'm aware that any new landlords will want proof of income, and I am just wondering how I'd go about proving this? Would I list myself as self-employed and provide them with bank statements? Would giving them AW contact details cause some difficulties as their offices are not in the UK?

I know the other option for me would be to use a guarantor, which woud have to be my mother, but she would certainly want to know how I was expecting to pay the rent, and I don't reaaally think she'd be too happy with my current carreer choices...I'm hoping some of you will be able to help me out, otherwise I'll be having to move home for an unforseen amount of time before I can get a '"real" job to allow me to move out. Certainly not what I want do!

Big thanks!

[Sexxy-Claudia]

When I needed proof of income, I used bank statements and I applied for mortgage. Should be good enough.

[MistressInLatex]

Hi Claudia, thanks for the reply! Did you need to tell them your profession (or perhaps a slightly 'milder' version; 'I'm self-employed for an online company' cough cough wink wink), or simply provide bank statements and an idea of monthly income? Surely if I can prove a consistent monthly income then a landlord's not going to be too interested in how - I'm hoping...

[Lotus]

Ive always used my bank statments too along with my cover story of what I do
I gave them 6 months bank statments and showed rental payments going out on time each month for two years. (They didnt want this but it was a sweetener as I haggled down my rent on the pretense of being a good long standing tenant lol)

[MistressInLatex]

Hi Lotus,

I only have bank statements showing AW from February this year, and not at the same time each month, although I have been routinely earning a liveable amount for a few months now and my statements show this. What sort of cover story do you use? I've looked at the terms of one letting agency and they require 3 months of bank statements, but then will also contact my previous landlord (this is fine), employer or accountant if self-employed...

Am I thinking this is more complicated than it is, perhaps?! Agh, I just don't want to have to move home, I know I won't be able to afford a place on standard just-graduated income...is it possible to just flash some bank statements?

[Sexxy-Claudia]

I think 6 month statement is normal. That's what I was asked. I didn't tell them in details what my jobs involve , working self employed for London company. No questions asked.

As long you can show you had a regular income for the last 6 month, they will be happy.

[MistressInLatex]

What else overall were you asked for for renting a new place? I can provide maybe 4 months statements...hopefully that will be enough, I dont know. Income has varied and transfer dates are not always the same but has been enough for rent. Worst case scenario might be living at home a few months so I can provide more reliable bank statements but really, really don't want to have to do that.

[Sexxy-Claudia]

I would think 4 month statements would be enough if your renting, but it could depend on the landlord !? As I am not renting, I don't know what else you would need.

[MistressInLatex]

Okay, thank you! Agh, I'll just have to have as many reliable statements as possible, and see what I can get. Thanks!

[xKatieBabyx]

My most recent place asked for six months bank statements. In the past my accountant vouched for my income (much easier!)

I say I am a data analyst.