Rent owed - What's the best method to recover

Other

I have two student tenants who owe rent. I have left 18 months to go by to ensure that they are now in work. Having established through a trace where they live I have now found out that they are employed.

What I wanted to know is - what's the most effective way to recover the rent?

I believe the small claims court (money claim online) is the most common route, however if the judge awards the claim in your favour you still have to collect the money from the tenant...easy said than done?

Somebody told me to ignore the small claims and go for a statutory demand, but after speaking to a solicitor this could be challenged and is risky.

Your thoughts and feedback welcomed

PS- The amounts owed are £1,700.00 & £1,200.00