Sharing an address is not enough
A financial association is a recorded financial link with another person, commonly from a joint credit account or a joint application. Living together, being married or sharing a surname does not by itself create a financial association.
When there is an association, a lender may consider information about the associated person as part of its assessment.
After joint finances end
Closing a joint account does not necessarily remove an association automatically. Once there are no relevant joint financial commitments, you can ask each agency holding the link for a financial disassociation.
The agency may check that the financial link has ended. An outstanding joint mortgage or debt may mean you cannot yet be disassociated.
Sources:ICO: credit information
What to check
- Review the people listed as financially associated with you.
- Confirm whether joint accounts are still open or have balances.
- Ask the agency to explain a link you do not recognise.
- Check all three reports if you need a complete picture.