Invoice for property secured after police break in

Invoice for property secured after police break in

10:02 AM, 28th May 2014, About 10 years ago 31

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I have received an invoice after my property was secured after a police break in. My tenant of 7 years has left the house recently and I’ve given him his deposit back. I am currently getting the property ready to let out again. I commented to him that the front door was difficult to close, and he said it had always been a bit awkward and had got worse recently. I had to pay someone to fix it as best as they could and they told me that it seemed to be twisted and in their opinion had been broken into.

Everything became clear today when I received an invoice from a company who secure property for the police. It was for just over £200. I phoned them to ask why they were sending me a bill, and it appears that the police broke into the house on a ‘welfare issue’ and this company secured the door. This happened in January and they told me that they have sent a number of invoices to the tenant which he has ignored. So they found my name and address on the Land Registry and sent me the bill.

I complained that if they’d let me know earlier I would have been able to deduct it from the tenant’s deposit, and pointed out that they should inform the landlord as it is my property that has been damaged. At this point they offered me £20 off if I pay within 7 days. Invoice for property secured after police break in

I have emailed the tenant to tell him I’ve been sent the invoice and told I have to pay it and he should send me the money asap. Apart from the fact I have his mail in my house I have no hold over him so he has no incentive to pay this bill.

My question is – do I have to pay it? Or can I just give the company my tenant’s new address and tell them to pursue him?

Thanks

Roberta


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Comments

Sam Collett

12:42 PM, 2nd June 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Mark Alexander" at "30/05/2014 - 15:53":

Mark - I did as I said; ignored the company and never heard back from them!!

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

13:37 PM, 2nd June 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Sam Collett" at "02/06/2014 - 12:42":

They have six years to pursue the claim. Hope that's the last you've heard of them and well done! 🙂
.

Roberta Goodall

17:29 PM, 2nd June 2014, About 10 years ago

Well true to his word the tenant arrived yesterday and gave me an envelope with the full amount in it. I've now phoned the company and paid the bill.

If he hadn't brought the money I wonder if I'd have had the nerve to wait and see if I'd be taken to court! It's an area that needs sorted out though.

Thanks for all your comments.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

17:36 PM, 2nd June 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Roberta Goodall" at "02/06/2014 - 17:29":

Great result Roberta,, thanks for raising the debate and sharing your story via Property118 🙂

It's been interesting
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Industry Observer

11:44 AM, 3rd June 2014, About 10 years ago

From http://www.Parliament.uk website.

Still looking for this medieval Statute, I'll find it!!

"Constituents sometimes ask whether they can get compensation for damage (for example to a front door) following forced entry by the police. Police forces do sometimes make ex gratia payments or pay compensation following such damage, for example where the raid was at the wrong premises.

However, statutory guidance states that compensation for such damage is “unlikely to be appropriate if the search was lawful, and the force used can be shown to be reasonable, proportionate and necessary to effect entry.”

Where a police force refuses to make such a payment, then a constituent wishing to pursue the matter further would need to obtain specialist legal advice. "

sue nettleship

12:42 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Hi First post.
I am reading these responses with interest. I have a incident but the police did not break in, the house was open and my tenant was not there, no damage done by the police. It was found my property was being used to grow drugs. Quite rightly the property was secoured. My issue is why did the police not try and contact me. I knew nothing about this until I received a bill for the boarding up!! I could have gone up and locked it. When I contacted the police they informed me of the details but also told me that as I had already given my tenant a 21 day notice I was not allowed to enter the property as it had not run out, hence I could not remove the boarding. To add insult to injury the tenant then went back to the property removed the boarding and took it away! even though I have given the boarding company the forwarding address of the tenant its still me he is chasing.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

13:16 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "sue nettleship" at "24/10/2014 - 12:42":

Are the police aware of the forwarding address of your tenant?

I'd have thought they'd have been very keen to "have a word" under the circumstances!

I suggest you find out the crime number and keep chasing this on the basis that you intend to claim compensation for damages caused as a result of the crimes committed by your tenant.
.

Eviction Group

13:24 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago

I agree with Marks initial reply. Be polite but decline their offer allowing you to pay.!!!
Refer them to the tenant.
I would have my day in court ( not likely to get that far though)

sue nettleship

13:27 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Mark Alexander" at "24/10/2014 - 13:16":

Yes I gave them all the details, which took them a couple of months to act on. There is now a warrant out for his arrest but I beleive he has moved back out of his parents home, and they say they don't know were he is!! the police have been so slow, I have had to provide everything. I have a signed letter from his dad saying he would pay for any damage or loss caused by his son, as they were so desperate to get rid of him at the time. We have now completed all the repairs and we are in the process of sending him the bill. They are also looking after his two children who he still visits on a regular basis (facebook is a good tool) pity the police don't do a little investigating! feeling frustrated.

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

13:56 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "sue nettleship" at "24/10/2014 - 13:27":

I'm not surprised that you're frustrated, but the letter from his Dad offering to pay has to be considered a victory. If he doesn't pay I presume you will take him to the Small Claims Court?
.

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