debt collection on overdue rent.

[rosyherb]

We had a house which we rented out a couple of years ago. unfortunanely after paying the 1st months rent they stopped paying, it took over 12 months and court twice, in the end we had to get the baliffs in but they left earlier that morning. We are now trying to get the outstanding rent which is 5K + legal fees, but as an independant / amautre land lord none of the debt collection agencies seem interested, How has any one else dealt with this or suggestions.

[Twenty20]

I'm a bit surprised that this ran for 12 months before eviction. Once they were 2 months overdue you can use the s8 route plus an s21 to evict them. The s21 is mandatory for the judge to order an eviction so long as you have filled out the form correctly. What went wrong?

Also, you dont say why the debt collection agencies wont take this on. Do you have details of where your ex tenants are now? Are they working? Do you know if they can repay the debt that youre chasing? If they have no income, on benefits etc etc, then you may find its just not worth chasing them as you will never get paid.

Try posting your question on a landlord advice site such as this http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/forumdisp lay.php?f=3

where you should find others who have been down the same route as you.

Sorry I cant be of more help.

[rosyherb]

we gave them notice after 2 months, they failed to comply, we went to court due to a paperwork error (not our) we had to reapply, also liency for hardship was given as they were on housing benefits as the father was unable to work due to back pain, they were given 3 month to get out but didn't so we had to call in the baliffs. We were approached by the local council to house them, we agreed as the council claimed the allowance would cover the rent. However, this is the good bit, there is no onus on anyone in receipt of rent allowance to use the money to acutally pay the rent. We have since found out we are not the first. When they left our property the council rehoused them. I guess it's the principle, but I also think that they need a reminder that there is still a debt outstanding, i think they are still in the area.