Posted on: Wednesday, November 22, 2017
You thought you’d found the perfect tenants, but then you realise that they haven’t paid their rent. What should you do?
• First, communication is key. Always check the day after rent is due to make sure it is in your account. If it’s not there, contact them straight away. There could be a simple answer, like a transfer issue. Keep clear records of all communications.
• Generally, give up to seven days as a grace period, then give a formal letter, and then give 24 hours’ notice to visit the property.
• Does your tenant have a guarantor to pay their rent if they are unable to? Get in touch with them as they may be able to settle the bill.
• Have you got landlord insurance? A ‘rent guarantee’ will provide rental arrears and financial help.
• Problem still not solved? It’s time to get the courts involved. Talk to a legal advisor like a solicitor and bodies like the National Landlord Association to help you.
We are required by law to conduct anti-money laundering checks on all those selling or buying a property. Whilst we retain responsibility for ensuring checks and any ongoing monitoring are carried out correctly, the initial checks are carried out on our behalf by Lifetime Legal who will contact you once you have agreed to instruct us in your sale or had an offer accepted on a property you wish to buy. The cost of these checks is £60 (incl. VAT), which covers the cost of obtaining relevant data and any manual checks and monitoring which might be required. This fee will need to be paid by you in advance of us publishing your property (in the case of a vendor) or issuing a memorandum of sale (in the case of a buyer), directly to Lifetime Legal, and is non-refundable. We will receive some of the fee taken by Lifetime Legal to compensate for its role in the provision of these checks.