My first time?

Serve a s21 with a letter stating how much rent is owed, and that if the arrears are not paid in full then you will also be seeking a Money Order which which have serious credit repercussions. You could also serve a s8 at the same time.

You’ve done really well for this to be your first time. I’ve had two in 7 years. This tenant will not pay and the sooner you start the eviction process the better. Sorry to say it will probably take about 9-12 months. I evicted somebody in May but owing to Covid had to give 4 months’ notice. It was a year with no rent in the end.
I would strongly recommend using a professional service to help you. One small error and the case will get thrown out. I used Legal for Landlords and found them to be excellent. I got a great solicitor to help in me in court too, all included in their overall fee. It’s a long process so the least painful you can make it for yourself the better.

Reply to the comment left by Helen at 14/07/2022 – 23:12
Thanks for advice , sorry to hear about yours .
It’s shocking how people get away so long without paying . Strange how it’s the only business the customer can get away without paying for something for so long !
Best of luck in future

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 14/07/2022 – 22:55
Thanks for advice Judith , I’m going to do that , hoping the fear of legal action will be enough .
Nothing seems to effect this tenant !
Fingers crossed

Hi Rob

One thing you could do…..

Visit the council office where the property is located and ask to check if housing benefit is being paid out to that address. Explain that you have a non-paying tenant and you want to make sure that your tenant isn’t *potentially* collecting housing benefit and not passing it on.

If housing benefit is being paid out the council will contact your tenant and ask him for proof of rent payments. If no reply or none can be evidenced, the council will suspend payments to your tenant. You then have to apply for the amount to be paid to you.

My last three non-payers were all thwarted this way. That this happened came as a complete surprise to all three of them! All were separate cases.

It might not be the full rent but any amount you get would be a bonus. That’s, of course, IF housing benefit is being paid out. It won’t cost you anything to check.

If your tenant is squandering housing benefit funds, that just might be the reason why he has no interest in communicating with you. The easiest way to find out is by visiting the council – and put an end to his game, if that’s what it is. Guaranteed: if he is, you’ll definitely hear from him when the benefit money dries up!

Good luck – and please post again soon with an update.

Lord

Hi Lord
That’s a great idea , if I ever get an issue in future will def use your advice.
Unfortunately this tenant works for a local car company ( premium one) earns around 2k a month !
No reason to not pay other than taking the P !
He blamed covid and factory closes and zero hour contract etc etc etc
It’s been endless 🙁
I have issued him with notice and debt collector visit .
Finger crossed this might be working
Thanks for your advice it’s great having support in these times
Regards
Rob

Reply to the comment left by LordOf TheManor at 16/07/2022 – 14:48
I’ve tried this before and got nowhere as the council said they are not obliged to tell you even as the LL IF any tenant is making a claim or not as the claim is in their name etc.

Hi thanks everyone for advice and help ,
I advised tenant that debt collection has been sort and from today you will possibly get a visit .
He has agreed not to stay any longer than two more weeks , I’m kinda expecting him to do a runner in night.
I also told him the new tenant is moving in , in two weeks , as to apply slight pressure from all angles .
I guess I will have to chase him once he is out for the outstanding rent but at least I can start getting regular rent again
Thanks again for help
Regards
Rob