UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi:
I am a new landlord and just rented my place out to someone who I have known for a couple years.  I considered him a friend, but not a real close one.  Anyway, I rented it to hom and his brother and another guy.  They have custody of their little sister and she's there too.  The house was in disrepair and they went all out and worked wonders on it.  I had an issue with Code Enforcement about the time they moved in and had to go there several times to get it straightened out.  They have been there exactly a month and I had not contacted them in 12 days since I got the issue straight with Code Enforcement.  Anyway, They have stopped responding to my text messages.  The house is on the other end of town and I don't get down there often.  I was going past Today to go to Church and offered in a text to pick up the rent which is due Today.  They never replied and didn't reply to my 2 earlier text messages from 12 days ago.

They had to have utilities turned on in their name and get a washer and dryer put in.  I can't see them going to all that trouble if they are not intending to pay rent.  I am new to this.  What does this sound like to you more seasoned landlords?