Best way to deal with Rent Arrears?

[Mavis808]

I think I have been quite lucky up until now, however I have a Tenant who is now 11 days overdue with January's rent payment, they paid 10 days late with December's rent. I have sent a text reminder with no response this time.

What would be the best course of action at this stage and going forward if they do not pay?

[AndrewDod]

Section 21

[theartfullodger]

And s8g10 today.

[Mavis808]

Thank You, I used the tools from this site and sent the letter and section notices. Tenant said they would pay tomorrow, that was 3 days ago and still nothing. Looks like I will need to evict.

I believe the next steps is applying to the courts on the 5th week (1st week of next rental month).

[theartfullodger]

Explain (verbally only..) to tenant what "intentionally homeless" will mean.

Also consider small-claim for rent owed (added pressure). It's just possible tenant may take the hint ...

s8 expires after 14 days, no 2 months, but only go to court with s8g8,10&11 or s21.

I'm sure tenant and his friends had a lovely Xmas..

[jpkeates]

I believe the next steps is applying to the courts on the 5th week (1st week of next rental month).

There isn't any notice I can think of which has 4 weeks notice.
It's either 2 weeks (s8, some grounds) or 2 months (s21 and s8 the other grounds).

[DPT57]

If you've sent a s21 notice you can check the validity here: https://nearlylegal.co.uk/section-21-flowchart/

[Mavis808]

Whats the difference between the section 21 notice (The one that I have downloaded and used from the landlord zone) and the form 6A version?

[jpkeates]

If the tenancy began on or after 1st October 2015 you should (must) use the Form 6A version.

[jpucng62]

How long have they been your tenant & have they always paid on time beforehand?

Before issuing eviction notices I would've tried to talk to them - has there been a change in circumstances that has caused this problem? Obviously Christmas is an expensive time & if this is a blip & they have been good tenants up until now it would be a shame for them to lose their home & for you to have to source a new tenant with associated costs.

I had a tenant with a recurrent back problem, which meant he sometimes couldn't work. Benefits took a while to kick in each time but he always paid in the end & by working with him kept the family in the home & my property let.

Tenants often seem to be afraid to talk to LLs in case they are evicted at the first sign of a problem (as various posters above suggest!) but sometimes communication can find a way through a short term problem & both parties win in the end.

Good luck

[DPT57]

S21 doesnt mean eviction. It's just the preparatory stage and a wake up call. However, a tenant who didn't pay the rent and didn't respond to a text would lose my confidence immediately