Arrears and changed locks

Rent Arrears

We own a property let by way of AST and following failure to pay rent for 3 months we served a section 21 notice on the tenant as at 28th February 2009

The section 21 notice prompted the tenants to make contact and we agreed an arrangement we considered to be acceptable. Unfortunately the arrangement was not maintained and the arrears position has deteriorated further. We have now applied for a possession order and have a court date for late July.

In the meantime our agent has tried to carry out a routine inspection and the tenant has failed to keep two appointments. We gave notice that we would let in the agent in using the spare key, however the locks to the property have been changed.

Our understanding is that we now need to wait for the court hearing and it is likely that the court will allow the tenants a further 28 days before we are regain possession. This will increase the arrears by a further two months on the basis we are receiving no contributions at all.

Is there any further action we are able to take at this stage?