Accommdation £650 Bill

Karl.H_2

Hi. A good friend of mine left University months ago because she didn't enjoy the course.

Last week, her currently landlord (private student accommodation) has sent her a letter demanding £650 by Friday (9/5/08) or they will take legal action and she will foot the £650 bill plus legal fees.

If they do take her to court, are they able to pass the legal fees onto her?

We understand that there is no way to not pay, but we'd appreciate your comments.

Thanks.

bestpud

Pressed thanks by mistake!

I am pretty sure they can ask the judge (or whoever decides the case) to pass on their fees if they win, and you already know they will, or are very likely to.

Why would she want to go to court if she knows she will lose?

I would get her to visit the CAB, taking all the relevent paper work with her.

laurenzo99

it is written into most contracts that any money spend by LL on legal, tracking down fees etc. is liable to be paid by the tenant, if they were in wrong.

tell her to pay it and get it sorted out so that it can be forgotten about. Theres no point in legal stress

Karl.H_2

Hi and thanks for your replies. She has now borrowed the money from her parents. I posted on here because I was curious with regards to the claim. I was wondering if any one could shine some light onto the situation which you have.

Many thanks.

pinkshoes

It's always better to settle things before going to court, as the losing side pays all the court costs and legal fees... and in this case, then yes it would be your friend paying not only the £650, but all the fees too!

Did they not think to advertise the room and get someone else to take on the contract? I know it's too late now, but if someone else read who's thinking of leaving, then it's something to consider.

Blacksheep1979

irrelevant of what is in the contract they can not pass on more than what is allowed by the small claims court (which is where this would be heard) which is basically the cost of the court hearing plus letters, travel etc but not solicitor costs. I'd advise your friend to pay though if they owe it as apart from the moral obligation a county court judgement can stay on your record for up to 6 years and affect getting bank accounts, mobile phones etc etc etc