UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello all,

I am asking for some advice if you would be so kind.

Rented my property to a family some 5 years ago. Husband left about two years ago wife decided to move out this summer. I let through an agent.

When the agent went round it seems carpets were ruined, some windows and a door broken, fence broken garden a complete mess, items just left in the property required two skips (adult daughter gave agent permission to skip items, broken furniture). Daughter also stated she would pay for skips. As more investigation went on more needed replacing.

Just before tenants moved in I had new kitchen, carpets and decoration completed.

My agent tells me I can go through the courts to get my money back. It seems that the tenant now DSS with no trace of the husband. I have contacted wife and daughter via phone but the promise of payment and even calling or emailing agent or myself has not occurred.

Am I able to chase them through the courts? Would it be worth it? If so what's the next step?

Any thoughts on the subject would be gratefully received.

Hello Zed10.

I would forget chasing the tenants.  If they're on DSS now then getting money out of them will just be a painful process whihc will take up your life and turn you into a bitter and twisted person.  Being a landlord is running a business.  And sometimes in business you get knocked back.  Brush it off and start again.

As for your agent, I'm confused.  They lived there for five years.  It started off in really good condition, you say.  You must expect some wear and tear.  But broken windows, doors, fences, an un-maintained garden and abandoned posessions.  Well most of that does not hapen overnight.  The agent agreement should have a commitment to do quarterly inspections.  What do they say?  If the agent has got too lazy to do inspections then it's reasonable to ask them to stump up: If the agent had inspected earlier they could have been evicted before more damage was done.

I assume you've kept all the deposit, not that it will be enough.  Let us know how things go.

Thank you very much for the words. I am having some discussion with the agent and your point is very valid.

You can raise a small claim through the county courts, but suspect you will be throwing good money after bad.
Anyone can raise a claim - getting your money is the hardest thing. If she is on DSS you have very little chance of getting more than £5 a week and when she stops paying you will have to take her through the system again.
It is always best to get a background check on a potential tenant before they moving in and a pre sue report before raising an action against them.
Hope this helps