Rent Arrears - 6 mths, premises vacated

[jamesgm]

Hi,

would appreciate some advice on this situation:-

1. Couple (unmarried) renting house have just split up and both have actually vacated the premises leaving 6 months rent unpaid ~ 6K
2. There is a letting agreement in place with both names on it but only the guy actually signed it (his partner wasn't around the day it was been signed)

What I need to know is if I chase this through the courts
1. Are both of them equally liable - i.e. responsible for 50% each considering they have now split up.
2. Is only the guy liable considering his is the only signature on the letting agreement despite his partner been named on it and has lived there with him.
3. Is it worth pursuing this couple through the courts - I've heard it can take ages for these cases to get heard and then they drag on - is this just more good money after bad ? Maybe I should consider myself lucky they have vacated the premises and just keep the deposit !

Thanks,
James.

 

[sam h]

Are you registered with the PRTB? If so, might be worth chasing through this way, but from everything posted before, this will take time. But I don't think it will cost you any cash (only stress!!).
Other than that, you could go after them yourself, but that will involve solicitors & may be good money after bad. How likely are you to get the money even if you get a judgement in your favour?
I would reckon it is only the guy you could go after as he is the only one who signed the contract, but a legal person may be able to advise on this point.

 

[shanegl]

Are you saying that there is 6 months left on the lease and you're looking for this rent to paid? Or is it that they actually haven't paid rent in 6 months?

 

[jamesgm]

they actually havn't paid for 6 mths - lodged cheques but they bounced. I was too soft on them !

 

[S.L.F]

they actually havn't paid for 6 mths - lodged cheques but they bounced. I was too soft on them !

Put it down to experience and move on.

Next time get an agent to look after your property.