After serving Sec 8, what NEXT?

[LondonLad 30]

Hi. This has probablyt been answered here previously somewhere but I cant find the simple steps.
I served Sec 8 10 &11 back in Early Oct 09. Tenancy started in End JUly 09 for 6 months AST. Tenant is around 3 months in arrears by now. What do I do now?
PCOL now?
Or do I HAVE to serve Sec 21 now?
Please advise.
My T is now being watched by police on suspition of dealing in drugs from my flat!!
Another question, even after getting possession, I KNOW he will just leave, but how do I chase him for the funds? His job details that he gave me earlier do not exist anymore. I do not have copies of his NI number, nor his passport copies, nor his driving licence. He will probably just laugh and disappear. Is there anything the courts can do to make some sort of attatchment to him?
You will be shocked to learn that I have been a Landlord for over 9 years with many properties.... I just NEVER had to evict anyone before. Guess I have been blessed up to now.
Many many thnaks for any replies.

[Ericthelobster]

I served Sec 8 10 &11 back in Early Oct 09. Tenancy started in End JUly 09 for 6 months AST. Tenant is around 3 months in arrears by now. What do I do now?
PCOL now?
Or do I HAVE to serve Sec 21 now?

Yes, go to PCOL now.

S21 is an entirely separate process, but it's always best to serve it anyway as repossession is mandatory, so if your S8 fails in court, you can fall back on S21 without having to wait at least 2 months more. (That said, in your case you wouldn't be able to use it until 6 months is up, ie the end of January)

[tom999]

I served Sec 8 10 &11 back in Early Oct 09.

Do you mean: Section 8, Grounds 8, 10, 11?

Tenancy started in End JUly 09 for 6 months AST. Tenant is around 3 months in arrears by now. What do I do now?

If Section 8, Ground 8 has been served and more than 2 months rent owed (if rent paid monthly), then apply via PCOL.

Or do I HAVE to serve Sec 21 now?

Serve s.21* as a backup, in case s.8 fails.
Note: If T is aware of pending eviction, T may abscond, or move out voluntarily, before LL gains a possession order.

Another question, even after getting possession, I KNOW he will just leave, but how do I chase him for the funds?

s.8 route will have a money order as well as a possession order. If T is working, and T get's a judgement (CCJ) against him, then you can enforce the judgement. One method is to apply for an order to obtain information; T must attend court to provide information on his finances, e.g. employment, income, etc.; then obtain an attachment of earnings order, which is aimed at a T's earnings, direct from employer (not appropriate for self-employed T's).

You will be shocked to learn that I have been a Landlord for over 9 years with many properties.... I just NEVER had to evict anyone before.

Hopefully, this will be the first and last time.

Above assumes AST in E&W.

* if any protectable deposit is protected.