Section 8 / Section 21

Tenancy Types and Management

I issued a Section 8 stating Grounds 8, 10 &11 on 6th October 2006. First Court hearing was 11th December 2006. The Judge adjourned this as the Tenant claimed the HB Dept had lost her application and she had been in Hospital so couldn't chase it up. Her Solicitor claimed that she would try to fast track HB Benefit with contact in HB dept. Solicitor also claimed Tenant could expect to receive back payments to start of Tenancy. Tenant agreed to pay £25 each week towards the arrears.

Next Court Hearing 5th February 2007. Tenant now £4650 in arrears (£550pcm Rent) and she had not paid any £25 payments. Amazingly the Judge adjourned again as Tenant again stated she had been in Hospital and they were still awaitng news from HB. Judge stated that this would be the last adjournment. Since have received 1 £25 payment out of two due.

I contacted the HB dept who said they received her application on 5th Feb 07 and would take 3 weeks to look at - no supporting paperwork for back payments.

Question I have is that the AST expires on 16th May 2007. I haven't issued a Section 21 yet. The next Court hearing is set for 2nd April, 2007. What should I do? If there is the possibility that the Tenant will get a back payment of HB I could get a substantial amount of my losses back. How does issuing a Section 21 affect the Section 8 procedure.

Any help appreciated.