Getting an apartment without a credit record

I'm thinking of taking a job in the UK and I'm wondering how difficult it will be to get an apartment without a credit record. Or if it's possible to rent a car (otherwise I was thinking I'd just buy one in cash). I'd be curious to know your experiences.

You will need support from your employer.  The hardest part is opening a bank account as you can't do that without a lease.  But you can't get a lease without a bank account.

You'll need your employer to provide lots of statements about your employment, contract, etc.  then you should be able to get a lease and then a bank account.  Then you can move your money to the UK.

I've heard before that you may have to pay 6 months rent up front if you don't have UK credit but haven't actually heard of that happening to anyone.

Ouch... that sounds pretty critical to know. So if I decide to go there then the first thing I need to focus on is opening a bank account. My company only provides 30 days of housing as part of the moving allowance so hopefully this would be enough time.

30 days will be fine.  That's what I had when I moved.  I had a few places to choose from that were available immediately.  Which was great considering I had pets, which really limits choice.

I almost wonder if something like this would make it easier:
https://www.yourvirtualofficelondon.co.uk/ [nofollow]

Use the virtual address to get a bank account... then use that bank account to get the apartment.

A virtual address isn't enough to open a bank account. You need to show proof that you actually live at the address, using a lease, utility bills, council tax bills, etc. Those things can't be sent to a virtual address. And although it's easier to get an apartment with a UK bank account, it's not a requirement.

If you had six months rent upfront (normal lease period here), you may find that you have better luck getting a place.  You could also try getting a 'spare room' (spareroom.co.uk) for a month or so.    I was living in a houseshare for six months and the landlady never asked for a credit check or anything when I moved in. She was happy to take cash, week by week.  That will give you an address, you can setup a bank account, and then you can move to a more permanent place.  As a thought anyways 
 
 Also, if you're coming for work, hopefully your employer can help you out.  Mine had a relocation person, she did all the logistics for me. She helped me find a place to stay, setup all appointments with the bank (who were happy to take me because my employer backed me up), she gave me tours and got me all settled. So hopefully your employer has a similar type of service.

We had a letter from the employer stating annual income and a contract stating how long we would be living in the UK, we had no problems getting a bank account or renting a place.  In fact the letting agents thought we were the "golden ticket" knowing that we were Americans on a contract, and they negotiated a better price on a great place for us.

Hi,

Just to add to the usual aspects above, if you can find a private landlord like myself, you could discuss things with them prior to taking a property they may have. I've allowed tenants to stay without a deposit for instance in the past. The trouble is, finding one and then hoping they have a property available!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!