As a landlord one of the most difficult situations is when your tenant does not pay their rent. This is not only stressful but also a financially burdensome experience, however it is still important to approach such situations calmly and professionally. We understand it can be mentally draining when confronted with a non-paying tenant, which is why we have set procedures to handle this situation on behalf of our landlords.
Don’t let unpaid rent impact your financial stability or peace of mind. Call Pure Lettings today!
Communicate With the Tenant
We contact your tenant as soon as the rent is overdue, a friendly reminder can often resolve the issue quickly. We will utilise texting, calling and finally email should we not receive a response to discuss the situation. During this communication we can also remind them of any late fees they are required to pay. Show understanding if there are genuine difficulties but also emphasise the importance of timely payments.
Devise a Plan
Before resorting to taking any formal action, the options we consider are offering a structured repayment plan for your tenants facing temporary financial difficulties. It is important to be calm and civil throughout these conversations. Whilst not always easy, experience has taught us to make it pleasant and agreeable to both parties.
Serving Formal Notices
If our attempts at communication and establishing a payment plan have not worked, the next step we can take is to send a formal pre-action letter. This document is an official notice to your tenant to let them know the outstanding rent amount and the potential consequences of further delay. It is important that this letter is complete with legal requirements – we ensure it meets all necessary standards.
Explore Debt Recovery Options
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Small Claims Court
For debts up to £10,000, the small claims court is often the first step in legal action. This process can be complex, but with proper guidance, you can maximise your chances of a successful claim.
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Enforcement Options
If you’ve already obtained a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in your favour, there are further enforcement options available, such as Attachment of Earnings Orders or High Court Writs of Control.
Taking Possession of Your Property
In cases where the tenant refuses to pay rent or vacate the property, you may need to start eviction proceedings. It is important to note this process can be legally complex. It typically involves:
- Serving a Section 8 Notice
- Applying for a possession order through the courts
Understand Your Legal Rights
The landlord-tenant laws in the UK are very intricate and subject to strict regulations. Therefore, it is essential that we familiarise ourselves with these requirements constantly to make the process easier. To make the process smoother, we maintain meticulous records of dates, communication and logs of all payments and missed payments.
Protection Available
Consider our rent protection and legal services offer which can dramatically reduce the stress by keeping the rent coming in, as well as covering legal costs.
The Importance of Professional Help
Being a landlord isn’t always a walk in the park, and dealing with a tenant who doesn’t pay rent only makes it harder. At Pure Lettings we understand the complexities of tenant issues and the stress that can be caused to UK landlords, and our expert team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer clear guidance, efficient solutions and above all peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order. Reach out now and take the first step towards resolving any issues you have.
