UK Landlord Forum / Life

Would appreciate some advice, hands up straight away I am an idiot. I inherited a small run down flat (Scotland) that needed development.
As I was carrying out the work a friend asked if I could help out an ex vet who was in a homeless unit but was able to secure an IT job but needed accommodation short term, I stupidly agreed, rent was agreed verbally and everything was ok until he lost his job and rent payments stopped immediately.
£1000 arrears were paid when he unexpectedly received a tax rebate, he finally got work again and I encouraged him to save up for a deposit for a more suitable flat but he wasn't budging and then he found himself unemployed again and stopped the rent immediately. He is now £1600 in arrears (over 3 months), said he will pay when he has work and is no longer replying to any of my messages.

What would be my first course of action be? his rent is very cheap for the area and there has never been a rent rise in 3 years and he now couldn't afford a higher rent
its too much hassle for me and would prefer him gone.
Thanks in advance and please font say you idiot  :-)

I don' t think you are an idiot. It sounds like you wanted to help someone get back on his feet again. Oscar Wilde "  No good turn goes unpunished"

Others will know more about the situation in Scotland, but personally I would be using a specialist eviction company to distance yourself from the potential complications and emotional pressures that might arise. Good luck.

Seconded.

Oh I didn't know about that, thank you so much.