UK Landlord Forum / Life

Evening all. Just after a little advice. Tenants started their ASSURED SHORTHOLD TENANCY AGREEMENT on 1st May 2016 with a 6 month agreement. Paid their first payment upfront, they have not paid their rent for June. Have tried to contact had email back on 7th saying apologies been in Italy and would set up the direct debit on 13th of this month. They haven't done this not replying to emails or answering phone. Have sent and emailed a letter regarding rent arrears asking for immediate action to clear the balance. What would you advise of the next step to take. I have read somewhere that we cannot serve notice for possession as it is in the first 4 months of their tenancy is this correct. Any advice would be very very welcome.

Thanks so much

You can use a section 8 notice if there are 2 months in arrears and break the agreement.  Did you handle the deposit correctly?

Hello thanks for your reply. Yes a months rent has been deposited in the safety deposit scheme. At present they are only 2 weeks in arrears. Would I need to wait until they are two months in arrears then serve the possession notice (which as I understand would need to give them 2 months notice so in otherwords they can be there until September? Thanks for your help

Yes 2 full clear months.  Read about section 8's on the main site.

You can't serve a possession notice (possession order) this is something issued by a court, once you've gone there and won your case.