{"id":8591,"date":"2019-12-13T17:31:26","date_gmt":"2019-12-13T16:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lettingaproperty.com\/landlord\/blog\/?p=8591"},"modified":"2026-07-14T11:13:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T10:13:18","slug":"rent-arrears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lettingaproperty.com\/landlord\/blog\/rent-arrears\/","title":{"rendered":"“I was faced with an abusive tenant and high rent arrears”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ruby has been a landlord for over four years. In 2019, she was left feeling panicked <\/strong>and helpless<\/strong> by an abusive tenant who refused to pay and was four months<\/strong> in rent arrears. Here’s how she got every penny back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of 2019, Ruby\u2019s tenant was failing to take care of her property. He left many intimidating phone calls and became very aggressive towards her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In February, I served a Section 21 notice<\/a> to the tenant, but he refused to leave. A Section 8 notice immediately followed\u2013 but the tenant still would not cooperate and stopped paying<\/strong> the rent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tenant continued to live in the property for a further four months<\/strong>. He built up \u00a32<\/strong>,<\/strong>100<\/strong> in rent arrears, leaving Ruby with a torn-up home, a mortgage to pay and a huge amount of stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately for Ruby, her rent was insured<\/strong> as a benefit of her Rent Assured plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the tenant failed to pay the rent, I filed an insurance claim for the money Ruby was owed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal expenses and advice <\/strong>were also covered to help gain\npossession of the property. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As her point of contact, I provided Ruby with one-on-one support<\/strong> and began the legal arrangements needed to get Rachel\u2019s home back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The success<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ruby\u2019s claim was accepted and she received \u00a32,100<\/strong> rent arrears in full \u2013 meaning she could pay her mortgage and begin the repairs to her home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal proceedings were initiated by LettingaProperty.com to gain possession on Ruby\u2019s behalf, however, the tenant moved out before the court papers were filed and the case was closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the case had continued, Ruby\u2019s legal expenses (estimated at \u00a35<\/strong>,<\/strong>000<\/strong>) were covered <\/strong>by her Essential<\/a> plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With our advice and guidance<\/strong>, Ruby was also able to claim back her full \u00a3700<\/strong> deposit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruby’s experience of rent arrears and abusive tenants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what Ruby had to say about her experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What challenges have you faced as a landlord? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“Unfortunately I was faced with a suddenly abusive tenant that stopped paying rent<\/strong> and was very difficult to have a conversation with. Notice was served, but the tenant refused to leave<\/strong> – resulting in us having to start the process to get possession of the property<\/strong> via the court.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

As a landlord, how has rent protection helped you with rent arrears? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“The Essential plan help me at a very distressing time. I felt helpless knowing that my property wasn’t being paid for nor looked after, but <\/em>Natalie’s<\/em> constant reassurance<\/strong> put me at ease<\/strong>. <\/em><\/p>

“I was able to continue to make the mortgage payments<\/strong> on the property whilst being able to put money aside so that I can refurbish the property for a quick turn around once possession was gained<\/em>.“<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What part of your experience with LettingaProperty.com have you valued the most? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“LettingaProperty.com advise you properly – taking into account your plan, the law, and your personal situation<\/strong>.<\/em> <\/p>

“Having one person<\/strong> dealing with my case and guiding me through<\/strong> the whole process and the legal minefield has been priceless<\/strong>!”<\/em><\/p>

<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Rent Assured plan<\/a> supplied Ruby with: <\/p>\n\n\n\n