Housemate left without any notice

Nesty

Hi
I had a lodger until recently. About a week before Christmas he just left leaving the key without any notice or reason.

He hasn't paid the rent for December. Is there anyway I can pursue the outstanding monies off him. I have retained the deposit, but there was an accident with the TV which was agreed the deposit would go towards. Hence I am out of pocket.

Looks like I have been played, but wanted to know if there was any chance I could try to pursue the lost revenue. I have a forwarding address, but would prefer to do this by the book rather then go and confront.

Planner

Did you have any written agreement in place stating how much notice each of you should give?

Failing that, what period was the rent paid? Weekly or Monthly?

Nesty

Yes written argeement was set out. In that he would hav to provide 1 month notice. He paid the rent monthly, ie first few days in the month.

Planner

Well in that case you are entitled to 1 month notice. I suspect the only way you are going to get this is through the county court, which you are going to need a forwarding address for. Have you got this?

themanbearpig

If its was a conditonal term in the contract, without an express or implied exclusion clause, and he has breached it, you are entitled to claim damages. But it isn't really that easy in reality, due to the high costs involved with litigation!

poppysarah

He was there for two weeks in Dec without you asking him about the rent?

nollag2006

This is one for your Citizens Advice Bureau, I'd say.

My own approach would be to write to him, asking him for the monies he owes you under the lease giving him 28 days to respond.

If there is no response, then I'd pursue a claim against him through the Small Claims court.

It's quick and easy to do, and the fees are intentionally kept low:

www.moneyclaim.gov.uk

brummybloke

i would put it down to experience, an accident with the tv?

LoopsYorkshire

Has someone else has said - do you have his forwarding address? If not, then you cant pursue any court action so poss best to try to forget about it even though it isnt right.