UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi Guys, Im am new to the landlord thing, so any help would be greatly appreciated. 15 Months ago a took a lodger in my spare room, although I had requested a standing order set up, this never happened, rent was always late but usually paid. At xmas I discovered he had been stealing.. small things, chicken from the freezer, bacon, a lot of bottles of wine, scarfs from my room, cigarettes again for my room, rent had also become a problem, only paying 3/4 of it a month late, and then december not at all - always with excuses that it was the banks fault, his works fault, the list goes on. Having had enough of this I served him his notice on the grounds of late and non payment of rent.. with 28 days to move out. We did not discuss the theft and lies about rent as I did not want to make it anymore unleasant as I have to live there, just wanted him out as quickly and easily as possible. 22 days later hes has not been back, will not reply to calls, texts and emails.. there is nothing of any value in his room (i have checked) just clothes and shoes (3 suitcases worth at a guess) I have not looked to see if passports or paperwork etc is there. the room is a complete shit tip, rotting food and drink, rubbish and it is starting to smell, I have opened the window and the door is shut, but even soo this is my house!!

The Help I need is.. if i have still not heard from him on the 28th day what do I do.. can I change the locks, and chuck his stuff out? I need to get a new lodger in ASAP to pay bills, he still owes me £1000, I hold £200 deposit (not in a protection scheme) the room i think will need to be industrially cleaned too

Thanks Guys 

Just a quick note ... you are only dealing with a lodger, not a tenant. Those have fewer rights than full tenants. This might be useful for you (On Shelter's website actually, they are an organisation not known for a bias in favour of landlords).

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/renting_and_leasehold/private_tenancies/excluded_occupiers