My lodger is in terrible debt

suchafankid

I took on a lodger a year ago, she signed a tenancy agreement, paid deposit and months rent in advance as she had some financial support at the time. After some time she quit her job due to 'stress', she refused to apply for benefits or jobseekers for the time she was out of work and ran up rent arrears of around £1000. When she finally got a new job she failed to pay the rent on a number of occasions and is now in £2000+ arrears, I would rather she didn't move out as it means she is less likely to pay this.

Recently we had a visit from some bailiffs, she claimed it was for a fine years ago and apparently sorted it however I have recently found out (from going in her room to retrieve items she borrows and seeing letters) that she owes at least £700 to Wonga and has been approved for a £5000 loan at my address, I am concerned there may be other loans I am not aware of and that more bailiffs will come knocking, I have an anxiety disorder and find it very distressing when they do.

Is there any way I can find out if there are any outstanding loans registered at my address?

I doubt she would be honest if I asked as she never has been before. Thankyou in advance
:money::money:

CKhalvashi

I'd advise her that someone has been for her, and hand her any paperwork, still sealed.

Don't let them into your home, and advise her that you don't want anyone let into your home whilst you're out.

She has no security of tenture, so you could get rid of her with 24h notice.

CK

suchafankid

CKhalvashi wrote: »

I'd advise her that someone has been for her, and hand her any paperwork, still sealed.

Don't let them into your home, and advise her that you don't want anyone let into your home whilst you're out.

She has no security of tenture, so you could get rid of her with 24h notice.

CK

That's how I handled the bailiffs! I'm just a bit concerned about her running up further debt at my address, I have a tenancy agreement with her so I am aware I can take her to a small claims court if she does not pay the rent arrears.

I also don't want her debt to affect my credit rating as I've been incredibly careful all my life to have a flawless rating!

JuicyJesus

Her debt will not affect your credit rating at all, the system works on individuals, not addresses.

DevCoder

Loans and credit are registered against the person so will have no impact against you (other than the inconvenience of having debt collection calls which you just need to keep proof of id handy to show that you are not the person they are looking for).

You say your lodger has signed a tenancy agreement, this would make them a tenant not a lodger, are you sure that you have got them to sign an agreement to act as a lodger (and not a tenancy agreement).

Second bit of advice, stop reading their letters they are private between the two parties, and stop going into their room (ask them to return items borrowed). Even lodgers have rights to privacy and any sensible lodger agreement would have a clause stating that the landlord would not enter the lodgers room without 24 hours notice or only in the case of an emergency

terryw

suchafankid wrote: »

I have a tenancy agreement with her so I am aware I can take her to a small claims court if she does not pay the rent arrears.

And? You can spend more money getting a CCJ but you will be well down the pecking for obtaining the amount owing. If the lodger has wonga type loans the credit score is low anyway.....your CCJ will not worsen this.

Cut your losses.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

i would evict, then execute a small claims acion for outstanding rent arears, expressing that youd rather attachment of earnings than get it dribbled to you in spits and spats.

she obviously knows she can keep getting away without having to pay her priorities first, and when questioned about rent gives a little then doesnt pay at all just to keep you quiet.

opinions4u

Get rid.

Accept you won't see your money.

Move on.

Takeaway_Addict

opinions4u wrote: »

Get rid.

Accept you won't see your money.

Move on.

Correct.

I would give her one ore notice, increase the rent by an amount to start paying arrears. IF one payment is missed then kick her out

shortcrust

krisdorey wrote: »

Second bit of advice, stop reading their letters they are private between the two parties, and stop going into their room (ask them to return items borrowed). Even lodgers have rights to privacy and any sensible lodger agreement would have a clause stating that the landlord would not enter the lodgers room without 24 hours notice or only in the case of an emergency

Hmmm. I think if a lodger owed me over 2000 quid and there'd been bailiffs at the door I'd also happen to accidentally see a letter or two as I retrieved borrowed items from their room.

19lottie82

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Correct.

I would give her one ore notice, increase the rent by an amount to start paying arrears. IF one payment is missed then kick her out

Yes, this. Although I wouldn't hold out much hope!