How do I increase my rent from a housing association?
1 year ago | 13 comments
Enforcing judgement against a housing association?
12:00 AM, 5th December 2025, 5 months ago
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In November 2020, I let a property in North London to a major housing association (HA) on a three-year lease. They overstayed their lease by two years and in 2025, I made a claim through the Money Claim Online arm of the County Court (MCOL) for underpayment of rent (difference between market rent and passing rent after contract expiry).
The claim went undefended, and on 16 Sept a judgement in default for £8,500 was issued against the HA. On 8 October, I had a letter from the HA legal department suggesting that they were unaware of the claim and had not received correct notices, etc, but asking me to send them the details of the claim for their consideration, and suggesting that payment of the debt might be a possibility.
On 13 Oct, I sent all of the requested information. I also contacted MCOL, who advised that, as far as they could see, the claim was issued correctly (notice/claim form was issued electronically by MCOL).
I have since received no further correspondence (or payment) from the HA. In November, I made a final demand for payment with 14 days notice, which has now expired.
I understand that, as the debt is more than £5,000, it will need to be transferred to the High Court for enforcement.
Can anyone please advise on my options and best course of action from here on in order to collect the debt?
Thank you,
Karl
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Member Since June 2016 - Comments: 49
10:04 AM, 5th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Hi Karl,
You’re now in a very strong position legally. As things stand:
You have a valid County Court Judgment (CCJ) for £8,500
It was undefended
The HA has not applied to set it aside
Your final demand has expired
They have still not paid
At this point you are fully entitled to move straight to enforcement, without any further warning.
Best and Fastest Option: High Court Enforcement
Because the debt is over £5,000, the most effective route is to transfer the judgment to the High Court for enforcement and instruct High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs). This is:
Much faster than County Court bailiffs
Far more effective against organisations
Usually “no win, no fee”
Enforcement fees get added to the debt, not paid by you
Very high success rate against Housing Associations
What you need to do (Step by Step):
1. Apply to transfer the judgment to the High Court
This is done using Form N293A (Application for Writ of Control).
Court fee is £71 and is added to the debt.
2. Instruct a High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO)
Once transferred, you can instruct a firm such as:
High Court Enforcement Group
DCBL
Marston High Court
Shergroup
They will:
Issue a 7-day Notice of Enforcement
If unpaid, attend the HA’s offices
Apply serious pressure very quickly
In most cases, large organisations pay as soon as the Notice of Enforcement lands to avoid the embarrassment and disruption.
Do you need to write to the HA again?
You don’t have to. But if you want to be courteous before enforcing, one short email is fine:
“Judgment was entered against you on 16 September 2025 for £8,500. As no payment has been received following my final demand, I will now proceed with High Court enforcement without further notice.”
Then proceed anyway.
You’re doing exactly the right thing moving to enforcement now.
Best,
Paul
Member Since February 2022 - Comments: 25
12:00 PM, 5th December 2025, About 5 months ago
Many thanks, Paul, for taking the time to give me this detailed and most helpful explanation of the steps needed to recover the debt. I have now instructed DCBL. Kind regards, Karl.