Landlord property with tenant debt

money_money_6

Hi all

I'm a newbie so apologies if I've posted this in the incorrect place. I couldn't find a bailiff specific one.

I am managing my father's (takeaway shop) property and the tenants did a runner, leaving some HUGE debts. As the Landlord I should not be paying any of these debts right?

So, after much research, the advice I found was that I shouldn't call these bailiffs up. I sent letters to the bailiffs and companies of the original creditor (e.g. Thames Water, Lloyds etc etc).

Most bailiff letters have now stopped, however there is one that persists in threatening to remove goods (not that there is anything in the property). They are Equita Certificated Bailiffs working on behalf of the Council regarding council tax. I have written to the Bailiffs and Council 4 times now (all recorded delivery and costing lots of money) and I'm still receiving these letters.

My question: should I just continue to write these letters back to them? I want to avoid calling them. Shouldn't the Council be stopping the bailiffs as I've already written to them 4 times too. Surely they should have gotten my message by now.

The other issue is: what if we have property viewings and a bailiff turns up? I won't be there to show a client around and if bailiff turns up it'll look really bad and possibly scare the client away.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks all

money_money_6

Oh no, no replies? - can anyone help me?

456789

Write a formal complaint to the council?

mlz1413

You have written to the parties concerned so I wouldn't keep writing, ensure you have the proof of receipts and leave it at that.

Have any bailiffs ever turned up on the doorstep? ie a hand written card from the bailiff with their contact number, not a computer generated letter. If not then I wouldn't worry about potential tenants meeting the bailiffs.

If you do want to take action against the bailiffs and council then contact the Credit Services Association for further advise.

money_money_6

They've all been formal letters so far.
I think I've done all I can. I'm not going to send anymore letters. I spoke to the Post Office as some of my registered mail haven't got through (I sent them on the 1st Sept!).

Anyway, thanks for the reply

SouthCoast

If the bailiffs are calling for Council Tax Arrears, you need urgent professional advice. Contact Business Debtline:

http://www.bdl.org.uk/

PNPSUKNET

what happened to the tennants security deposit? also I take it you do have a valid tennancy agreement if so you wouldnt be liable

dopester

money_money wrote: »

I am managing my father's (takeaway shop) property and the tenants did a runner, leaving some HUGE debts. As the Landlord I should not be paying any of these debts right?

Why are they chasing for council tax? Was there residential living accommodation with the shop? I am no expert in this, but just asking.

Business rates

If you run a business such as a shop, office, warehouse or factory then it is very likely you will have to pay business rates. In the jargon these are National Non-Domestic Property rates and your business, office or shop is counted as a non–domestic property.

The business rates are set by the Government, which shares the rates raised across the country between all councils. These rates help pay for services to businesses and local people. As a business person you will also pay Council Tax on your own home, even if that is a flat above your shop or office. There are more details on this page, but we are keen to help in any way we can.

bumpoowee

Not an expert by any means but the council tax one needs sorting. If you are any sort of landlord you shouldn't even consider moving any more tenants in until this is resolved.

socrates

bumpoowee wrote: »

Not an expert by any means but the council tax one needs sorting. If you are any sort of landlord you shouldn't even consider moving any more tenants in until this is resolved.

If you are not an expert how can you give advice like this!!!

Do you seriously expect someone to leave a property empty for the next few months whilst a local government office mess about deciding if they know what the left and the right hand are doing?

By moving a new tenant in the council might wake up to the fact that the previous tenants have actually left.

Personally I would visit the council in person at one of their stop shops, or central office to discuss this matter with all my paperwork to hand.

You will complete a statement on a printed form explaining all the circumstances - it will be backdated on the system.

At that point they will make the owner liable for the council tax from the date the property was vacated - unless there are reasons why it should be exempt - for example being refurbished etc etc...

guppy

Regardless of the fact they appear to have abandoned the property, do the tenant's still have a lease on the property, or has this been forfeited?

If the lease hasn't been surrendered or forfeited, then they are still responsible for the business rates.

If you are now responsible for the property, are the council aware of the correct dates regarding who is liable? Phone them and ask.