How to collect rent arrears

Tenant eviction specialists Landlord Action have successfully collected the highest sum of rent arrears in the company’s 11-year history.

The firm collected £92,000 owed by one tenant on a single property, on behalf of landlord
Vanessa Headley.

She let out her penthouse apartment in the prestigious Putney Wharf Tower five years ago, but immediately fell foul of the tenant who failed to pay the rent from the outset. This was despite being served notice and his making numerous promises of payment.

When her solicitor failed to assist her case, Ms Headley called in Landlord Action.

Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, said: “When the client came to us back in April, the rent arrears were already over £40k and, although I confirmed I would be able to evict her tenant and regain possession of her property, I felt it unlikely we would be able to collect the money that she was owed, due to the large amount involved.”

However, things took a turn in Ms Headley’s favour when bankruptcy papers were served on the debtor at his home in Watford in August.

Shamplina said: “It was at this stage we made a note of a Mercedes and an Aston Martin parked on the drive, giving us cause to rethink the situation.

“We suggested to Ms Headley that she used a High Court sheriff to escalate the case in an attempt to collect the monies owed. After several visits by the enforcement officers, the debtor eventually agreed to pay up, only to renege, leaving the officer with no alternative but to clamp the Aston Martin and seize both cars.”

David Carter, director at the Sheriff’s Office, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to assist Landlord Action on this case. With the seizure of two luxury vehicles, we were able to recover the large rent arrears for Landlord Action’s client in full. We find that Sheriff’s High Court enforcement is frequently the most effective option for the recovery of rent arrears, as was proven in this case.”

Ms Headley said: “Having consulted various solicitors, I found them all completely ineffectual and pessimistic, leading me to believe that I would never recover anything.

“Fortunately, Landlord Action are streets ahead of any other solicitors I had spoken to and I can’t thank them enough. I never thought for a moment I would see a penny from this guy, but their perseverance and professionalism has meant that I have both my property back and the outstanding arrears.”

Shamplina said: “Although this case has ended well, this problem has become increasingly common throughout the recession. We hope this will be a stark warning to others of the crucial need for sufficient tenant referencing.”