Universal Credit issues – How do I claim rent arrears?

Universal Credit issues – How do I claim rent arrears?

0:03 AM, 24th July 2024, About 3 weeks ago 3

Text Size

Hi, I have tenants in Glasgow on Universal Credit. The tenants paid the rent to me until I asked them to find another property due to vandalism – they have wrecked the house, doors hanging off, holes in walls etc, they have 4 kids.

I contacted Universal Credit who don’t give me a reason but can’t pay it directly to me, four months on they are still not paying and are a nuisance to neighbours because of the mess.

They have now been served with an eviction notice but probably won’t move until the bailiffs turn up.

Is there a way to get what they owe me back? They don’t work.

Thank you,

Janet


Share This Article


Comments

Geoff1975

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

16:47 PM, 24th July 2024, About 3 weeks ago

I don’t know if it’s different in Scotland but in England you can apply for direct payments if tenant is more than two months in arrears or one month in arrears that has accrued over several months. As part of the online application you can also request a deduction from their UC to pay off arrears. It’s only about 2.5% of the monthly housing allowance, but it’s better than nothing. DWP might not be able to talk to you to confirm if they are or aren’t in receipt of benefits from them but you can make an educated guess if you think they are and it’s worth applying. I recently applied and was granted direct payments but not arrears but I think it was one criteria for arrears wasn’t quite there. I just reapplied as soon as it was rejected and it went through on the second application.

Mick Roberts

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

18:31 PM, 24th July 2024, About 3 weeks ago

Lina Borzenkova

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

11:14 AM, 25th July 2024, About 3 weeks ago

It sounds like you've already served an eviction notice. Ensure it is correctly served under Section 8 or Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, as appropriate. Although you mentioned difficulties with Universal Credit, there is a system for landlords to receive payments directly. You can apply for an APA to have rent paid directly to you if tenants are in arrears for at least two months. Fill out a form UC47 and provide evidence of rent arrears. Note that UC does not guarantee approval, but persistent follow-ups may help.
If the tenants owe you money, you can take them to small claims court for the unpaid rent and damages. If the tenants still don’t pay, you can take steps to enforce the judgment like Warrant of Control: Employ bailiffs to collect the debt or Attachment of Earnings Order If they find work, a portion of their earnings can be directed to you. And the last one is Third Party Debt Order: If they have bank accounts with funds, you may recover money directly. One of decision can be mediation, but I am not sure if it will work there.

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Tax Planning Book Now