Section 21 - tenant refusing to leave

Possession - Section 8 and Section 21

Hi,

I served a Section 21 to my tenants on 6th September, the date for them to leave is 13th November.  I had arranged a visit this week to meet with the tenants and talk about the moving out date, what is expected etc.  When I arrived all the lights were off, blinds firmly shut and no answer from the door or their phones, so I left.

Yesterday I received an email from one of the tenants say that "Despite my best effort I will be unable to leave the property on the 13th November the local council are supporting me with this and have advised me to stay where I am to prevent us being homeless.

The email then listed all the things wrong with the property and closed by saying "We are not living in the best conditions with the winter here I feel its going to only get worse. I am hoping an action plan will be put in place for the repairs."

The tenants have been in the property for 9 years and they need to leave, I do not dispute there is a number of jobs I need to do in there, but essentially it is a beautiful house that needs some renovation.

I have legal cover with my insurance, but the question is do I respond and tell her that I will action a repossesion order through my solicitors and therefore they need to leave...?

I don't want to get into a war of words, they clearly have no intention of leaving so do I just let this run it's course and let the solicitors deal with it, or do I let her know?

Many thanks,

Caroline