Tenant In A Rental Property Refusing To Pay Rent, Can I Sue For Back Rent?

[eastern]

Firstly I am in Scotland, I rent some flats and have recently had problems with a Polish tenant who is refusing to pay his rent as he says he has financial problems. He has never complained about the property and I know there is nothing wrong with the flat. I know where he works and have spoken to his employer who can't understand why he is not paying as he has a good wage. I think he is going to do a runner back to Poland and leave all his debts. What if anything can I do? He has a 6 month S/Assured tenancy which is now on a months rolling basis, he has been served with a notice to quit but that isn't till end of October. Can I sue him now for his back rent? Can I do a wage arrestment against him if successful, his employer is fully in agreement with this.

[Sycamore3House]

I am going through the same process of evicting a tenant. I have been told that the rent that I am owed will have to be recovered through the small claims court. I have also been advised that I will probably not get a lump sum but an amount each week. This is in Cornwall.

[tonywiltshire]

Housing law in Scotland is quite similar to that in England and Wales, you are probably relying on the Housing (Scotland) act 1988 and have a mandatory ground for possession, you need give 28 days’ notice to quit, but I understand your concern over your tenant leaving the country, you do not say the amount of rent owed. I would suggest you contact a local Solicitor with experience of housing law and discuss with him what your next action should be