Well I bought my apartment so I don't know that much about renting, but I would imagine that either your bank manager or accountant (if you have one) will give you a 'financial' reference - mine was more than happy to, just as they would with any other self employed person. I think they do charge a nominal fee but it isn't much.

As far as agents go I would imagine they do check and would recommend renting through a private landlord instead - I daresay it would be easier to make up a sob story and flash some cash. If you are going to use bogus payslips and pretend to be on PAYE I would suspect that this constitutes fraud, and you will more than likely get caught if they do decide to check up.

A non-registered friend of mine is trying to find a flat at the moment and learning the hard way that essentially disappearing off the face of the planet financial-wise doesn't do you any favours in the long term. Could you get a friend write you a reference and back it up on the phone if they ring?

Private landlords or in your partner/friends name if you have someone close who knows what you do and is willing to do this.

Local papers, viva-street, gum-tree etc. are great for finding private landlords who are happy if you pay on time and they get no complaints.

Well so now I've finally decided after about 2 years now to go out and look for mi own casa now, and YES the moving agents definently want some proof of income. I called around today just to see what they'll say. So Im panicking a bit because I am wanting to move out tomorrow and my stuff is all packed.

I don't think showing a bank statement will work as I dont get direct deposit (obviously) so feel a bit out. However the private landlord option definently sounds better 

Renting is always challenging for working girls but as its been said try to deal with private landlords

If you are close to a regular you can trust who has his own business  or  a friend have him write you a job reference and give him heads up once you have handed your reference to a potential landlord that way he will be able to give the right information.

good luck

Ha...if I had a close enough friend to do that then chances are I wouldn't be in this situation LOL. I go on craigslist and its all these apartment agents who look for places for you, and they want you to make 3 times your rent! But I guess thats how it is.

Im having doubts about the move, but there is no way in hell I can continue shacking with the family. I cant do incalls, thats bad enough...

I wanted a 6 months lease and offered to pay the whole rent plus deposit up front.

I did the same thing, though I implied that I had just inherited a whole bunch of cash and therefore wanted a central London pad to be a lazy student in. But, like Cassie, I loved the flat as soon as I saw it and it suits me down to the ground! I'm happy to stay here as long as they'll let me - plus I take care to be neat and tidy and have no parties whatsoever so I think it's worked out well. Paying 6 months up front might not suit all but the money does really seem to talk when it comes to estate agents. If I ever own a property-to-let I think I'll be renting it out sans agents, however.

I see alot of nice offers which involve sharing a room in someone's big house...but I cant even imagine! I'll be having clients come over all the time and it'll create so much suspicion. Probably get thrown out for prostitution