My husband and I rent a house out. For the last 4 months our tenant has not paid rent so we have gone through the correct proceedures and given notice and today he has finally moved out (well nearly, a few bits to go) However whilst my husband was at the property, at first glance it has been left in a hell of a state, uncleaned, damaged carpets, damged curtains, broken door etc. So, although we have a deposit being held, this will not cover the amount of cleaning and repairs. So, knowing he owes about £3000 in unpaid rent plus cleaning and repairs, if it goes to court, how will he pay if hes not working? Can he be paid to pay up albeit in installments when he does get a job?? Seems really unfair he can just walk away from this leaving unpaid rent and a tip for a house and we have to pick up the pieces and get nothing in return. We have another property and tenants have always been well behaved so this is all a bit new to us and any advise would be appreciated. thanks
Unfortunately agreed with the others - totallly unfair but very costly to pursue and in the end he will get away with not paying if he has no income or assets. I am going through a similar thing with my ex boss, I worked for a small company he made everyone redundant and paid none of the staff, been to court and won but he has no assets or money so can't pay us so we just have to leave it. Nightmare!