Collection of Rent Arrears

[gixerchick]

My husband owns a flat which he rents out. He has always used a letting agent to find the tenants but then manages it himself to reduce the cost of agent fees. However, in the past 18 months two separate tenants have left after only 2 and 3 months of a 6 month agreement. One was Portuguese and the other American. We believe both have gone back to their respective countries and owe him a combined amount of �2,000. As we have no address, we're unable to recover the money owed through the courts. Does anyone know of any way that we can try to trace the individuals outside of the UK or at least register the debt so that if they return to the UK, it's recognised that they left owing money?

[kira000]

Not as far as i am aware. Unfortunately its almost certain that the money is gone..
Are your agents doing a full background and referencing check on these people as part of their find?? Sounds like they have not been too thorough! So referncing is the first thing.

Unfortunately with foreign nationals scarpering is a risk. The best thing to do with FN tenants is ensure that the deposit is for more than one monehs rent- month and a half minimum. Also insist on having a guarantor with full contact details who you can pursue if they do leave before the end of contract.

[ummmm]

That's why it's worth paying the agent fees.