Seven Tips on dealing with tenants who are not paying rent

From solicitor Tessa Shepperson

www.landlordlaw.co.uk

2

Tip 1 – Know when they first defaultIt is MUCH easier for tenants to repay small amounts than massive arrears.

Check your records and bank statements regularly so you will know when a payment is due and unpaid

3

Tip 2 – Do not be too aggressive on first contactIt may not be your tenant’s fault – for example it could be a bank error. In which case they may thank you for telling them!

Often tenants will pay on being reminded and will then pay more promptly in future as they know you are on the watch.

4

Tip 3 – try to reach agreement

It often possible to help your tenants – for example

- Changing the monthly payment date to coincide with their pay day

- Allowing them to take in a lodger if there is a spare room

- Maybe even a modest temporary rent reduction for good tenants

5

Tip 4 – always send a letter

If you made an agreement with them, then this letter should summarise the agreement reached.

If you were unable to reach agreement or were unable to speak to them, then your letter should state that they are in arrears and request their proposals for payment

6

Tip 5 – follow this up if necessary

For example if they fail to contact you, or to pay, write threatening court action if they continue to default.

If they don’t comply with the terms of any agreement reached, write to them warning that they are risking their home.

7

Tip 6 – If they still don’t pay, serve a possession noticeIf the tenancy has three months or less to run consider serving a section 21 notice.

After the rent arrears reach two months /eight weeks, serve a section 8 notice based on the serious rent arrears ground – even if you are considering using section 21.

This may serve as a wakeup call.

8

Tip 7 – if they still don’t pay, then issue the appropriate court action

This may seem very hostile, but if your tenants are not paying there is little else you can do.

Remember the only way they can be evicted legally, is via the courts and it will take months to get an eviction order.

Until then they are living at your expense

9

How my Landlord Law service can help:

I have a special ‘rent arrears action plan’ section with step by step guidance on dealing with rent arrears

The possession notices are online for you to use, with guidance notes to ensure they are error free

+Plus members can use my ‘do it yourself’ eviction kits

Thank you for reading this!

For more information, now visit

www.landlordlaw.co.uk