BuzyBee
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25 Posts
Hi all,
I have a tenant whom I've served S8 notice on and he has willingly given up the room which is good news. However, he left with the keys, a large amount of rent arrears and a lot of damage to the property.
The contract said he had to hand the room back in its original condition and an inventory report was given to him at the start of the tenancy, documenting items as well as the property condition. At the end of the tenancy, I sent him pictures of the damages and comparison with the inventory report to detail repair required. So far, he has argued that these are normal 'wear and tear' and refused to pay. The property was newly refurbished before he moved in and his tenancy lasted 12 months. Not helpfully, my agent agreed to use his deposit to cover some of the rent arrears (with £1,700 training).
I will have to start a money claim process to have hope of recovering any amount due as numerous emails / phone calls going back as far as Feb have been ignored. May I ask:
- For the claim, I've asked the agent to detail full scope of repairs and got a contractor quote (around £1,200). Is this enough or do I have to undertake the work and include the actual invoice?
- I don't have the tenant's forwarding address. Do I address the claim to him at my rental property? I hear there is a trace service? Would this be better if I obtain it?
- Do I have to use my home address for him to reply to in case needed or can I use my letting agent's address?
- Would you recommend engaging a solicitor? Is it not worth it if the tenant won't pay anyway?
Grateful for any advice or info you can share.
Many thanks!
