Taking Possession of the Property After the Tenant Served Notice

Rent Arrears

Hi Everyone

I have a tenant who has been in the property for around 4 years. During that time he has had periods of being good with his rent, and not so good. He'd get in to arrears then arrange weekly repayments, which he'd stick to with varying levels of success. But he would always contact me to try and make payment as best he could. 

He got in to arrears again in the summer - he's not paid a montly rent since 21st July, and he still had arrears at that point. Although he contacted me around then to say he'd pay £100 per week until it was paid off - I've had 2 of those payments. 

On 19th September he sent me a message to say he is working away now, so wanted to give the flat up. I agreed that rather than getting in more debt with me, I'd waive his 2 month's notice period as long as he was able to move out before the next rent was due on 11th October and he agreed to have the keys back to me by 10th October. 

He messaged on 11th October to say he was stuck working away and would get back the following week to sort out the flat and hand over the keys. I've not heard from him since, he's not answering my phone calls or messages and now owes me almost £2.5K. 

My question now is, what is the best and quickest way to get the flat back? 

I don't think he's living at the property at the minute, so won't receive mail I send there and I don't have a forwarding address. 

Many thanks

Nicola