[NataliePort]

Glad I got your attention. I have the tenancy for a house and then rent out the rest of the individual rooms. Owner/landlord, doesn't want to deal with seven people, rent out the rooms etc so just has it with one person, me. I, in turn get around 100 off my rent for this. I'm quite casual with the people that live here. Now one girl has not given me the rent and as I'm responsible for the whole rent I put hers on my visa. She is now being really evasive, has blocked my number on her cel and when I called her at work acted really huffy. She said that she'd give me the rent last wed, then this Frid, now she is saying Monday. I don't believe her. I haven't given anyone in the house a contract. What can I do? I was under the impression that if I gave people contracts and they didn't pay I'd have to serve notice etc. I really don't have this kind of time or money. If there is nothing I can do then I'll speak to the owners and give up the tenancy. But that means that the other 5 good tenants and me all have to find somewhere new to live, all because this one selfish girl. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Bluey]

Speak to Shelter or post your query on a specialist landlord forum like landlordzone.co.uk which have members more qualified and experienced in complex housing matters (which yours is as you are a mesne (intermediate) landlord).

If your co-occupant is classed as a lodger (also known as excluded occupier) - namely that she pays you and you share amenities, she has few rights and can be easily evicted after being given reasonable notice (i.e. you can change the locks if she stays and don't need a court order to regain possession). You could therefore get her out in a shorter period than giving notice to your landlord to give up the entire tenancy.

If your co-occupant is classed as a tenant, then her rights are considerably stronger.

Shelter or a specialist site will be able to advise you.

In either case, you can consider civil action (i.e. small claims court action) to try and recover the sum owed but this might not be a bit risky and not worth the time or effort.

In future, take up references, get a deposit to protect you, and give them a lodgers agreement to make sure you don't suffer their arrears and can evict them more easily. These agreements can be found for free on the internet or a couple of quid on Amazon.