Small Claims Court

Landlord Discussion
1

Tenant on UC and has rent arrears, UC was paying rent direct to me and small amounts of the rent arrears every month. Tenant has now stopped payments going direct to me. A Sec 8 was served and tenant saying she will leave middle of May. No rent payments received for last month and i very much doubt if she will pay next month. my question… Has any landlord that has /had a tenant on UC that has been receiving rent arrears paid, been successful with a small Claims Court to claim the rent arrears/ unpaid rent from tenants UC money, hope this makes sense

2

If you have evidence that she has not left, including written message to you, then you can tell UC and get the direct rent reinstated. Have a look at the UC Advocacy website

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3

Thanks David122 dont suppose you know any landlord that has successfully got UC to deduct from claimant money on a CCJ for rent arrears

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4

No, I dont know mucb about the workings of UC actually, but have a look here: Articles Archives - Universal Credit Advice

5

Thanks David122 will have a look

6

I twice used the small claims court.
First time i was able to attach the tenants earnings.
Second time she went self employed and i am still owed money. Ccj is valid for 30 years!

Another ccj altogether: i didnt chase the remaining £500 but the other party was pleased to pay up years later in order to clear the ccj and get a loan.

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Thanks Carl2 i have done the MCOL, so keeping fingers crossed as she is UC claimant, but the UC have been making payments to the rent arrears so cant see why it cant continue but will keep this page updated with the result pls keep fingers crossed for me

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8

Taking a more holistic approach, set your expectation to receive nothing so anything will be a bonus.
In my experience UC will close the book and not pay a penny when the tenant departs regardless of how much you are owed. It is all anonymous and the LL has to suck it up (…then people seem bent out of shape when you avoid benefits claimants in future). Anyway thats my experience ,
as for small claims courts i have found they ignore damages and will only pay out unpaid rent in the main but its a black hole for your time and judges can be very picky on your paperwork. the bias is too much in favour of tenants and with the removal of the section 21 many are selling up and rents go up and they wonder why

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