Using Debt Collection Agency for unpaid rent

[Mitz]

My tenants moved out without paying previous 3 months rent
They also left the place in a mess: missing white goods, light fitting, carpets, built in cupboards.

I want to pursue them for the rent and damage/repairs. Can someone recommend a debt collection agent?

I have their forwarding address so the agent won't need to to looking.

[jeffrey]

My tenants moved out without paying previous 3 months rent
They also left the place in a mess: missing white goods, light fitting, carpets, built in cupboards.

I want to pursue them for the rent and damage/repairs. Can someone recommend a debt collection agent?

I have their forwarding address so the agent won't need to to looking.

I have used Hunter Services (UK) Ltd. and it seems OK.
82 Castle Lane West, Bournemouth BH9 9JU
Telephone: 01202-516625

[nellster100]

I would highly recommend:
Thornbury Collection Services Ltd
Thornbury House
Thornbury Close
Rhiwbina
Cardiff
CF14 1UT
0844 8000 236 ask for Peter Hopkins

[AuntyEm74]

Debt collection

Hello
My nightmare tenant moved out a couple of weeks ago leaving a string of unpaid bills. I told the electricity company to change the bill into my name for 2 weeks and then into my new tenant's name - they say they have done this but can't set up the account properly until my new tenant has given meter readings. I have been round there tonight and she will call them with the readings tomorrow. But the debt collectors visited the flat in person today looking for the ex-tenant. They left a letter threatening disconnection and expensive reconnection charges. I left a message on the number given and will call them tomorrow too. I have already told them that the ex-tenant has left so I am not sure why they are pursuing her there- maybe the debt collecters were instructed before that. She didn't leave a forwarding address so I gave them her dad and sister's (her guarantor) addresses. Should I be worried that either:
a) they will cut supply, leaving my new tenant without service, or
b) I will get lumbered with the bill.
Hopefully it will get sorted tomorrow but I could so with some calming words tonight.
I text the tenant telling her to sort it but she will probably ignore it and refuses to give me a forwarding address.
Any advice?

Thanks
Emma

[jeffrey]

It could not remotely be your fault if Utility Co. disconnects new T's service on [wrong] ground of previous T's arrears.
You as L would not have done anything wrong, and new T's gripe/action would be against Utility Co. (not against you).

[PI Guy]

I would recommend Nick http://www.cred-x.co.uk/index.shtml

[graham08]

A friend of mine used an online debt collection service, said it was fantastic to use and got really quick results. Ideal when you need the money back asap, you can find it here

[JackMacyntire]

Debt collectors

I'm intrigued by the option of using debt collectors but I want to hear more success stories before taking the plunge.

In particular I want to know about the wisdom of using them while the tenant is still living in the property. Can I land in hot water for harassment? Is it better to wait until the tenant has been evicted?

Please Rodent1 and anyone else with experience fire away.

[VueHomes]

I can recommend www.dfsdebt.com
I have used them in the past and still use them todate.
They come highly reccomended with a fast and effective services

[Poppy]

VueHomes are you also known as speedy31 on the SingingPig forum? Why are you pushing dfsdebt so intently?

[VueHomes]

I am just offering them as help to other company's as it is so rare to find a decent company I was really chuffed with their service provided after being ripped off by two other companies, this is only my advice after all.

[tsu3000]

Debt collection agency sending letters

Hi

I recently had to serve notice on a problem tenant who was in rent arrears and also did not pay his utility bills. After he left the property, I spoke to the gas company and they said that its got nothing to do with me but to expect letters in the following months because it was their procedure. They also said to return all letters that were not specifically addressed to me.

Today I got a letter (addressed to "occupier") from a debt collection agency asking for details about the tenant and my contact details. Do I assist or do I take the advice from the gas co. and simply ignore it?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[Poppy]

Well, is there anything you can actually tell the debt collector apart from the date the tenancy ended?

[tsu3000]

Not really. I do not have a forwarding address for the tenant and his phone number doesn't work any more. Apart from proving that the property was rented by him by sending the agency a copy of the AST, I cannot give further info.

[Poppy]

You've answered your own question.

Don’t let this cost you anything. Simply write on the letter they sent to you - "tenant moved out X date". Put it back in their envelope without a stamp, re-address it and let them pay to receive it. It's what I do.

If these agencies truly want to find someone let them use more considered methods.