UK Landlord Forum / Life

In August 2013 I let a garage to a local tenant for £10/week with a £40 deposit.

At first there were no problems but gradually payments began to slip so I made contact by land line, mobile, letter and by calling in person.  Each time assurances were given that payment would be made but nothing happened so in Jan 2014 I sent a registered post letter clarifying the situation and asking that the tenant contact me to agree a payment schedule - again no response.

So I called in again in person and this time found the tenant had changed the padlock on the garage door (there is also a built in lock in the door itself to which we both have a key) without my consent.  When faced with this the tenant said the old padlock had broken so had to be replaced.  Also the tenant said the garage had leaked some rain water through the roof and soaked some of their possessions and that is why they were not paying the weekly rent.

Have tried CAB (no use at all for landlords only for tenants in debt) and googled national debt collecting agencies but it seems the amount is too small for them to be bothered with - the outstanding amount is now around £250.  Have also tried local housing societies for advice but again they seem to specialise in helping tenants who cant pay rather than landlords who are owed money.

My question to you all is "What can I legally do?"  Can I give 4 weeks notice and then personally cut the padlock and remove all the contents into the street?  Should I involve the local police?  Can I get a small local debt collection agengy to do this for me?


Should have said at the start that I have a standard "Garage Rental Agreement" signed by both parties which states .....£10/week.....4 weeks notice......landlord not responsible for loss or damage due to water......the tenant may not make alterations without written concent of landlord....etc.

Any thoughts or advice much appreciated thanks.