Can You Rent With an IVA? Moving and Renting Explained

Can You Rent a House With an IVA?

Yes. Your IVA doesn’t stop you renting, but some landlords and agents may decline you after a credit check.

Last updated: November 2026

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Things to know about IVAs

An IVA is a formal insolvency procedure. It must be approved by your creditors, stays on your credit file for six years, fees are taken from your payments, and debts are only written off if you complete it. It isn’t right for everyone.

Read the key risks

Creditors must approve it. An IVA only goes ahead if creditors holding at least 75% of the debt that is voted agree. Your proposal can be rejected.
Credit file and public register. An IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the start date and is listed on the public Individual Insolvency Register while it runs. Getting credit will be harder.
Spending restrictions and annual reviews. You live on an agreed budget for the length of the IVA (usually 5–6 years). Your income and spending are reviewed each year, and your payment can go up.
Fees. Fees are taken from your monthly payments, so less of what you pay reaches your creditors. How IVA fees work.
Your home. Under the current IVA Protocol, your home isn’t included in the IVA and you won’t be asked to remortgage. If your share of the equity is £10,000 or more, the IVA usually lasts six years instead of five.
If it fails. If you can’t keep up payments the IVA may fail, you would owe the remaining debt again, and the supervisor may petition for your bankruptcy.
Write-off only on completion. Remaining qualifying unsecured debts are only written off if the IVA is completed successfully. Secured debts, court fines, child maintenance, student loans and some other debts can’t be included.
Other options may suit you better. A debt management plan, DRO or bankruptcy may be more suitable. IVAs are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only; different solutions apply in Scotland.

An IVA doesn’t stop you renting a home or moving house. Your rent is treated as an essential cost and included in your IVA budget. The main hurdle is the credit check many letting agents run.

The short answer

You can rent during an IVA. Rent is included in your budget as an essential cost.
Letting agents may see your IVA on your credit file and on the insolvency register.
Offering rent in advance or a guarantor can help an application.
Tell your insolvency practitioner if your rent changes. It affects your IVA payment.
Existing rent arrears can usually be included in an IVA.

Will a landlord find out about my IVA?

If the landlord or letting agent runs a credit check, your IVA will usually show. It stays on your credit file for six years from the start date and is on the public Individual Insolvency Register while it runs. Private landlords who don’t credit check may not see it.

How can I improve my chances?

Be upfront. Explaining your IVA and showing you’ve kept up payments can reassure a landlord.
Offer rent in advance. Some landlords accept a few months upfront instead of a clean credit history. Check this with your insolvency practitioner, as large sums may need agreeing.
Use a guarantor who isn’t in an insolvency arrangement.
Look at private landlords as well as agents, and social housing if you’re eligible.

What if moving changes my costs?

Higher rent means less spare income, so your IVA payment may need to change. Lower rent may mean your payment goes up. Tell your insolvency practitioner before you commit to a move, so your budget can be updated.

Can rent arrears go into an IVA?

Arrears owed to a previous or current landlord are usually unsecured and can normally be included. Including arrears doesn’t always stop a landlord taking possession action for a current tenancy, so get advice if you’re behind on rent where you live now. See our guide to rent arrears help.

Common questions

Can I move house during an IVA?

Yes. Tell your insolvency practitioner before you move, as a change in rent or bills affects your IVA budget.

Do I need permission to rent during an IVA?

You don’t need permission to rent, but you must report changes in your costs. Paying large upfront sums may need agreement.

Can I get a council or housing association home with an IVA?

An IVA doesn’t usually stop you applying for social housing. Your local council can explain its allocation rules.

How IVA Advice Online can help

Every situation is different, and an IVA isn’t right for everyone. We can look at your income, spending and debts with you and set out the debt solutions you could qualify for, including options other than an IVA. To talk it through, get in touch.