Help tenant hasn’t paid rent since February?
Hi all, The tenant moved in during 2023 and paid rent without issue for 20 months. However, as the property is a one-bedroom and their family grew, it became overcrowded, so I issued a Section 21 notice.
The tenant has not paid rent since February. I submitted a direct payment request to DWP in May, which was approved, but only one payment was received before the arrangement was recently stopped. The arrears now exceed £5,000.
I’m unsure whether the tenant has moved out—there’s been no communication or formal surrender of the tenancy.
I’m currently awaiting the judge’s decision on the possession claim. No defence was filed, and when I enquired about the timeline for bailiffs, I was advised it could be August or September.
What are my options now?
The tenant has also changed one of the two locks without permission.
Many thanks
Zee
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Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 15
12:53 AM, 26th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by EGN at 25/06/2025 – 12:41
They are called UK Tracing
. Might be a bit too early for mine as I am not sure tenant has found a place yet but No Trace, No Fee.
https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/uktracing.co.uk
They seem to have good reviews, they will ask for legal document for proof you have access to the person’s details so they are GDPR compliant.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
8:18 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
You can use private bailiffs to evict (commonly known as high court bailiffs), will cost you a bit more but will speed up the process.
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 15
9:47 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 27/06/2025 – 08:18
Thanks he is out now i have gotten posession on Tuesday 24th June 2025. The tenant finally surrendered the tenancy and now begging to let the arrears go. Hasn’t found s place yet but once I have a forwarding address will file small claims.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1435 - Articles: 1
10:10 AM, 28th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Zee Smith at 24/06/2025 – 20:26Did you get a Deed of Surrender signed and dated?
Without it a court can say they still have possession and the tenant a right to go back to the property.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1264 - Articles: 1
7:32 PM, 28th June 2025, About 9 months ago
If by “family grew” you mean they had children that would not be overcrowding – see Shelter site for definition
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 15
11:50 PM, 18th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 28/06/2025 – 10:10
The tenant surrendered the tenancy via WhatsApp, so the locks were changed and a new tenant moved into the property in July 2025. No issues since.
The previous tenant left the property but, out of spite, delayed formally surrendering the tenancy. I still intend to pursue the arrears, but I’m allowing some time to track their current address, as previous attempts yielded no result.
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 15
11:51 PM, 18th August 2025, About 8 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Puzzler at 28/06/2025 – 19:32
Too late now. It is resolved. They were causing damage to the property.