Tenant has stopped paying rent!

by Readers Question

9:34 AM, 17th July 2023, 3 years ago 168

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Advice Landlord News Landlord News Landlords Questions Tenant Eviction

Hi all – newbie here and what a mess I’m in! I stupidly rented my house out feeling sorry for a single parent on benefits. The rent is £550 pcm and has not been increased over the 6 years as her benefits would not cover it. I asked for a £50 increase per month in October, and since then the tenant stopped paying altogether.

I issued a section 8 and one week before the hearing she obtained emergency legal aid. One day before the hearing a surveyor attended the property and a counterclaim of disrepair was submitted. I’m due back in court on the 31st but my defence must be submitted by the 20th. I received the court instructions on the 13th.

I couldn’t issue the s21 as all the housing paperwork was lost in a house move. The costs are massive and I’ve run out of funds. Could anyone please offer any advice?

I’m not entitled to legal aid because it doesn’t cover this case.

Thanks,

Tracy

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Tags: counterclaim of disrepair issued by surveyor, how to evict a tenant using section 8, not entitled to legal aid, Rent increase, tenant stopped paying rent

Comments

Chris @ Possession Friend

Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16

6:23 PM, 30th July 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Trapes at 30/07/2023 – 17:35
Well you know we’re here if you have any questions

1 Report Comment Reply
Happy housing

Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 206

6:25 PM, 30th July 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Trapes at 30/07/2023 – 17:35What does the TV have to do with it?

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Trapes

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 44

6:50 PM, 30th July 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Happy housing at 30/07/2023 – 18:25
Alleged damages from a leak 4 years ago…?

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Happy housing

Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 206

6:51 PM, 30th July 2023, About 3 years ago

So did tenant report the leak?

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Trapes

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 44

6:54 PM, 30th July 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Happy housing at 30/07/2023 – 18:51
Yes and it was repaired- it was from the roof but the stupid idiot didn’t catch the water so it came through the ceiling.
No mention of a television though!
Strange that there are no receipts or bank withdrawals?

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Shinh

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 95

8:57 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

One more reason for a UK Tenant Register

Why put up with such abuse!

Crowdfunding at

https://gofund.me/402ccf32

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Trapes

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 44

10:34 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Parmeader shinh at 03/08/2023 – 20:57
I wouldn’t dare ask for financial help, as much as I desperately need it. I am
20k in debt and no guarantee she will be booted out.
Honestly, this has made me so poorly.
I hope anybody out there reading this post learns from my horrific experience.
All the advice on here has been amazing and I’m so very grateful

1 Report Comment Reply
Trapes

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 44

10:50 PM, 3rd August 2023, About 3 years ago

Oh no!
I misunderstood your go fund me link!
I thought you were suggesting I set one up for myself!
Sorry! Please ignore me, I am mentally drained!

1 Report Comment Reply
Happy housing

Member Since May 2023 - Comments: 206

4:40 PM, 4th August 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Trapes at 03/08/2023 – 22:50Trapes, did you not claim UC from tenant and was it successful? So I’m assuming the debt is all legal fees?

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Trapes

Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 44

8:46 PM, 4th August 2023, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Happy housing at 04/08/2023 – 16:40
Tenant is now paying rent and yes the fees are for the solicitor and upcoming two day trial

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