Tenant Refuses To Pay The First Installment Of Advance Rent

by Readers Question

9:08 AM, 11th September 2014, 12 years ago 5

Categories:

Landlord News Landlords Questions

I was recommended a tenant by a friend. He moved in on 1st August 2014 and advance rent was due on 4th August 2014, and he didnt pay the rent due for 4th September 2014.

He says he will not pay because he doesn’t have too.

Its a 6 month AST contract for a single furnished room, no deposit was paid.

What do I do?

Thanks

Lisa

Share This Article

Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118 Read Full Bio

Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12217 - Articles: 1413

9:18 AM, 11th September 2014, About 12 years ago

Hi Lisa

I have two quick questions:-

1) On what grounds is your tenant refusing to pay rent? In other words, why does he think he doesn’t have to pay?

2) You mention that your tenant is in a furnished room. This leads me to think he/she may not be a tenant at all, he/she may be a lodger. If that is the case your rights as a landlords are very different. Therefore, I need to know whether you also live in the property in which your tenant is renting the furnished room.
.

1 Report Comment Reply
Alex Williams

Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 39

11:16 AM, 11th September 2014, About 12 years ago

Yes. More details please.

Sadly though he may well be right. He doesn’t have to assuming he doesn’t mind getting a ccj and eventually being evicted. The law is an ass.

Report Comment Reply
Sally T

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 128

11:38 AM, 11th September 2014, About 12 years ago

If it’s a HMO and his rent is paid up to date then he’s right as you can only demand rent for the current rent period. Any over payment can be deemed a deposit and then protection rules come in.

Report Comment Reply
Sean Toole

Member Since September 2014 - Comments: 1

11:44 AM, 11th September 2014, About 12 years ago

Hi Lisa,

For refrence you may wish to know that you can take out insurance in regards to tenants who do not pay on time or at all.

Report Comment Reply
Jay Jay

Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 201

2:49 PM, 12th September 2014, About 12 years ago

Are you a resident landlord Lisa?

Report Comment Reply

Have Your Say

Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.

Not a member yet? Join In Seconds