Bad tenants left - no rent and damages

[mishtu]

Hello -
I’ve had some very nasty tenant experience and old appreciate any guidance in the right direction that will help me deal with the situation.
In Summary, the tenants did not pay rent on time for at least 6 months. Then they just stopped. After about 6 weeks of unpaid rent, they left abruptly, giving me a one day notice and leaving the house in a mess (their broken furniture and other items that they don’t need). The carpets, walls and garden is a mess. There is a lot of garbage in the garage.

The deposit which is in DPS only covers the unpaid rent. I have started the process for claiming that money though DPS. It’s been 2 weeks and the tenants have not responded which shows its clear that they are not expecting the rent back.
Since they have left without giving me a forwarding address, I am seeking some information in the following areas

1. I would like to file a small claims case against them for the damages. I have their phone numbers and can see they have social media (flaunting expensive dinner parties). I also know where they worked when they lived in my house. Don’t have their current address.

I am hoping I can file a case and then take the papers to them and give them a choice to come back to the house, take their mess and clean up to avoid a legal case. If not, I will pursue the case and at the least get them a CCJ. Thoughts?

1. I don’t know where they were paying for electricity. I believe I am liable for bills now, but how can I find out where they ere paying so I can pick up? Or am I liable? Since they left without proper notice, leaving their possessions in the house 2 months before their contact ends, they should still be liable for bills until end of contact?

1. Is there a way for me to find out their current address

[JK0]

Usually the best idea is to let deposit pay for repairs, and sue for rent arrears. (Can't be disputed.)

I'd forget about getting them back to clean IIWY. You are only inviting wall scrapes.

BTW, your tenant might actually have done you a favour by not providing an up to date address. You can sue at the most recent address you have for them. (Your property.) If they have not arranged redirection, there will be no defence, and you can ask for judgement in default.

[mariner]

Initiate a SCC/PCOL claim to Ts last known address for all rent due until end of fixed Term or until they vacated + Notice Period, if later,+ reasonable cost of repairs, to return property to 'move in condition, less allowance for FW&T.
When you get judgement, ensure it is registered as a CCJ.
If T did not give due, valid Notice, rent is still due.

[MdeB]

And ensure that the judgement states that the deposit is to be paid to the LL.

[MadLL]

Sorry to jump in on your thread, I am also in a similar position and am wondering is it right to use tenants last known address if you know that they no longer live there?

[jpkeates]

You can only use the last address you are aware of.
The tenant's getting the mail forwarded is their problem.

The obvious practical issue is that the tenant won't know about the claim until afterwards when it appears on their credit history, so it's more of an issue to get the actual money.