Your Rights Explained - When Tenants Don't Pay Rent

Forty Percent more people now live in rented accommodation than in 2006 reports the Daily Mail website.

As a Landlord we'd suggest you should be aware of the legal avenues available to you in the event a tenant doesn't pay. Recent evidence suggests the number of evictions from rental properties is at its highest for five years.

Firstly, on the whole, tenants are responsible people, who will treat you, the landlord, and your property with respect.

However it's likely that you'll encounter some tenant difficulty. This could be relating to tenants who don't pay because they point blank refuse to or it could be because of redundancy or a relationship breakdown.

As the landlord if an agreement can't be reached you will need to give notice to the tenant. This needs to be done in the relevant statutory form. You must advise the tenant of the amount outstanding and give a minimum of two weeks' notice before you start court proceedings.

You will then receive an order confirming when the tenant must leave your property and when they must pay you the outstanding sum.

If the tenant decides not to leave or pay you can then hire a court bailiff to enforce this order for you.  

What can you do to make sure this process doesn't affect you ?

Screen your tenants thoroughly before you let out your property.

Use a good letting agent

Check their credit rating, employment status and make sure they provide you with references beforehand.

Make an inventory too – this is your first line of defence against tenant damage.

Here at Mandy Peters Solicitors in London, we understand the issues that tenants and landlords face and we're here to help.

Call us today on 020 8297 4000 to discuss matters further.

Mandy Peters
Landlord & Tenant Solicitors
Lewisham, London

Tel: 020 8297 4000