In the latest episode of my horribly failed attempt at being a landlord, I found out yesterday, that the council had not paid me the usual 4 weeks rent that I had been receiving from them after the tenant decided she would just keep the taxpayers HB money rather than pay the rent.
I contacted the council, and of course, they were very awkward about giving me details, saying they were not allowed to etc etc, but let me know that the tenants benefits had been suspended and that was why I had not received the payment. I was told that I should contact the tenant to find out why, but unfortunately we are not on speaking terms now and she won't reply to my texts.
I also explained to the council that I had a date for bailiffs and had confirmed the appointment, and much to my surprise, they said they didn't know anything about this. Infact, the lady said she wasn't even aware of the possession order, which is pretty weird as I'm sure they had this information.
Anyways, I remained polite and calm and the lady I was talking to showed a little bit of sympathy regarding the situation I was in, and put a note on the claim about the PO and the bailiffs appointment, and also asked me to fax them the paperwork confirming the PO and bailiffs. She did not however say at any time that I would be able to get any rent through the council for the remaining time the tenant is in the property.
This of course is incredibly annoying, particularly as I am struggling financially myself and have no hope of getting any of the unpaid rent back from the thieving HB tenant <<insert swear word here>>.
Has anyone had a situation like this before? I am really perplexed and disappointed as I at least assumed that the council would carry on paying me until the tenant was gone. Now it looks like I am going to be out of pocket nearly £9k if I include legal costs that I've paid out.
Also is there any action I can take against the council for this? I really feel as though they are doing me over here.
I contacted the council, and of course, they were very awkward about giving me details, saying they were not allowed to etc etc, but let me know that the tenants benefits had been suspended and that was why I had not received the payment. I was told that I should contact the tenant to find out why, but unfortunately we are not on speaking terms now and she won't reply to my texts.
I also explained to the council that I had a date for bailiffs and had confirmed the appointment, and much to my surprise, they said they didn't know anything about this. Infact, the lady said she wasn't even aware of the possession order, which is pretty weird as I'm sure they had this information.
Anyways, I remained polite and calm and the lady I was talking to showed a little bit of sympathy regarding the situation I was in, and put a note on the claim about the PO and the bailiffs appointment, and also asked me to fax them the paperwork confirming the PO and bailiffs. She did not however say at any time that I would be able to get any rent through the council for the remaining time the tenant is in the property.
This of course is incredibly annoying, particularly as I am struggling financially myself and have no hope of getting any of the unpaid rent back from the thieving HB tenant <<insert swear word here>>.
Has anyone had a situation like this before? I am really perplexed and disappointed as I at least assumed that the council would carry on paying me until the tenant was gone. Now it looks like I am going to be out of pocket nearly £9k if I include legal costs that I've paid out.
Also is there any action I can take against the council for this? I really feel as though they are doing me over here.