No rent paid for two months, what should we do...?

[K8eee]

Dh and I are renting a house that is managed by our landlord but our rent paid through an agent. We originally signed up for 6 months, and due to referencing issues, we paid the full 6 months rent upfront along with the deposit. In august it came round to us renewing which we have done on a short term basis where either ourselves or our landlord have to give 2 months notice to be out. Since this signing, we haven't been asked to pay any rent, or told where/how to pay for it. We haven't not paid on purpose but were expecting the agent to get in contact and ask us for the money. What would you do if you were in this situation...?

[nancy75]

ring the agent?

[K8eee]

They can't evict us surely for lack of communication regarding rent? Is it down to us to tell them to take money off us?

[BrianTheMole]

Why don't you ring and find out where to pay it? Or were you hoping to keep it?

[K8eee]

I would own up in the end if we moved out as they are bound to realise, but shouldn't they chase us for it? It's not like its a small amount either

[Tillyscoutsmum]

Check your AST. It will probably say your rent should be paid monthly in advance by standing order. Obviously something has gone wrong at the letting agency and your rent demands haven't been generated. However, you are still legally obliged to pay rent (as outlined in your tenancy agreement) and as such, your landlord could have grounds to evict you (a section 8 notice states 2 months rent arrears is grounds for possession). Phone your agent. Tell them the situation and get things sorted

[LIZS]

Is the agent still involved , can you not just go round and write the cheque ? The lease should name the landlord and give an address, failure to do so within a specific time period is illegal.

[SuperiorCat]

They certainly can evict you for non-payment of rent - usually the onus is on you to set up a standing order.

[K8eee]

We haven't been given any bank account details to put the money into their account. We can just go to the office to give them the cash.

If they were to evict us, do they have to give is a written notice? And how much notice?

[Tillyscoutsmum]

Why don't you just ring the agents and get the bank details??

[TeaAndSconesTwice]

This is just weird, it's your rent, your responsibility, why would you not phone them or pop in and pay it in cash? Do you want to loose your home?

[LIZS]

Their easiest ploy would be to just give you the two months as formal eviction for non payment takes longer and has a set protocol. Was the cash before recorded anywhere , it seem a little suspect old fashioned.