Updating post from Reddit.
Basically, my parents have a tenant who's always paid rent late—sometimes by up to two months—and now he’s asked to renew his tenancy. They obviously said no, and now he owes two months' rent. The tenancy agreement ends at the end of September, and we haven’t dealt with anything like this before, so we’re not really sure what to do next.
The letting agency has already sent a Letter Before Action and served a Notice for Repossession, which is due to expire in late September. We're also wondering how much it would cost to get a solicitor or specialist involved as we don't have insurance to cover this.
Any advice would be grateful and thank you in advance.
As soon as it gets to 3 months short regardless of how long it took take them to court and get repossession of your property it's not your job to house people for free
Make sure they serve a s.21 and a s.8.
If they just go for s.8 there is a chance he will pay do the arrears are just under 2 months.
If they don’t shift it will end up being around £10k in lost revenue and court and bailiff fees. All because of us nasty horrible landlords v the sweet innocent tenants. I’m getting out.
Expect another 6-8 months to get them out and be prepared to get £0 of the rent arrears court is the way to go
Does the letting agent have recommended solicitors? It's usually a fixed cost for the process when it's so clear cut
I'm not really sure to be honest, but I'll ask them about it tomorrow. Thanks.
I would defer the deposit against the rent and explain why to the deposit scheme people. You can still issue a Section 21 at the moment but not for long. Solicitors will charge more than the two months owing. I always cut my losses and get it refreshed and put in order to relay and be glad you can get them out.
No section 8 for unpaid rent it’s easier,
On top of the court eviction make sure you get a ccj against them for the rent arrears. At the very least you can make it financially difficult for them moving forward. Bad tenants are spoiling it for everyone.
This is why all landlords now need rental insurance and guarantors who can be relied on.
Extra rights for tenants has resulted in landlords needing so many checks that it is harder and more expensive for good people to rent
It'll take another month or so to get them out last time I did this it cost about 300 pounds may have gone up
A month?! You’ll be lucky. Using section 8 (rent arrears) for eviction requires a Court hearing, which will take 3-6 months. Then the judge will give him 14-28 days to vacate. The Council will tell him to stay put until the bailiffs arrive, which is probably another six weeks.
It was a few years ago
And at least you can claim it as a tax loss
Scraping the barrel for positives there! .. and cost-wise you’re probably talking nearer £1.5k for lawyers, court & bailiff fees.
Never used lawyers presented the case myself and didn't need bailiff's the courts letter was enough if you go into the rental business it is just that a business not a hobby
It’s been my business for 25 years, thanks. So luckily your tenants left as per the Court Order. Great! You were lucky, that’s all. Did they pay you all the arrears as well?
Change the locks