evicting tenants

Tenancy Types and Management

We have a problem with tenants refusing to pay there rent. They are currently behind by 2 months. We have had problems with the tenants paying there rent from the beginning of there assured shorthold tenancy agreement. We used the assured shorthold tenancy agreement downloaded from your site. Despite numerous letters to the tenants they still refuse to pay. We have issued a section 21(1)(B) on the 7th November 2006 informing them that we wish to take repossession of the property on the 4th February 2007 (this is the end of the 6 months contract). We are sure that they will not vacate the premises on this date. We have kept all correspondence regarding the ongoing problems to recover the rent payments. We have issued a claim for outstanding rent with the County Court.

We need to start showing future tenants around the property, and need to get paying tenants in as soon as possible.

Can you please advice on the best solution to get the tenants out by the 4TH February?
Can you advise if it’s within our rights after the end of the contract to go into the house and change the locks?

Tankyou

A C Talbot