60 second interview: Paul Shamplina

Monday 27th July 2009


Name: Paul Shamplina

What does it say on your business card? Director of Landlord Action

What do you actually do? We handle eviction proceedings and troubleshooting on behalf of landlords and letting agents throughout the UK. I manage company operations and speak to clients but don’t personally handle evictions. Clients or their agents are the ones who meet the bailiffs.

Why did you start the business? To help landlords and agents with problem tenants by offering fixed fees and a free advice line because we were initially frustrated with solicitors charging too much.

Do you act for agents as well as landlords, or only for landlords? Half our business comes from agents.

Are there more evictions now than when you started out? Yes. There has been a tenfold increase in evictions every year since we started ten years ago.

How long is the eviction process taking at the moment? From serving notice to eviction, approximately five months.

Do tenants go quietly? Not always.

Do you have a conscience about them and where they will go next? Yes, we do when we know it is a genuine case of hardship, and it is through no fault of their own and not because they are purposely not paying the landlord.

What are the worst cases of tenants abusing the system you can remember? A professional bad tenant who stung five landlords, owing a total of £120,000.

Any advice to agents when it comes to dealing with difficult tenants? Make sure your referencing is up to speed when moving a tenant in, and have a duty of care to the landlord so you get repeat business.

* If you would like to take part in our 60 second interview series, please contact the Editor: email rosalind.renshaw@estateagenttoday.co.uk