UK Landlord Forum / Life

I am an inexperienced landlord, who was left a property. My tenant accrued >6,000 in unpaid rent. With interest, stolen items and cleaning she owes >7,000. I could not evict her due to Covid. I suspected her of illegal activities as she was using several names. She took in lodgers via Airbnb without my permission and generally made a nuisance of herself, I could go on!! She would not allow my representative access to inspect. I spoke to the police. They offered to attend an inspection to "keep the peace" I informed the tenant my representative would come to inspect with the police. He arrived (the police forgot to attend!!) and found she had vanished with all belongings. I took this as the tenant had vacated without notice so changed the locks and put the flat on Airbnb.
I contacted DPS to claim my deposit. The ex tenant has not agreed to DPS arbitration so now I am forced to use the courts. I have heard that she has done this sort think before.
Should I take her to court? Is it worth it?

How did she pass all the credit and referencing checks? Whether it is worth taking her to court depends on whether she has assets  and regular paid employment. You would also have to have her current address.You could get her a CCJ which might prevent someone else having the same experience.I assume the police were not interested in the theft issues you refer to? Generally people like this are so slippery that even if you won your case,she would evade payment.It is infuriating,wish you better luck with Airbnb.   

You're going to have to go to court if you want the deposit released to you even if you don't think you'll get any more money out of the tenant.