[DemolitionRed]

A good informative post Kirk and TS, I very much agree with you.

Having come from the estate agency world where we did lettings, I have to say, its not only benefit people that do this. When I read your post it reminded me of a very expensive house let I did in West London where a professional couple with children and dogs trashed a 2k a week house before vanishing into the mist without trace; costing both the agency and the landlord many thousands in lost revenue and repair bills. Unfortunately its a risk with any tenants, benefits or not.

Its all about risk awareness and due diligence when you come to letting a property, especially to friends or benefit receivers.

A hefty protected deposits and equally important are guarantors. In this particular situation you should of been able to claim from their guarantors. Benefit tenants that can't come up with guarantors are very risky.

Regular inspections by the agents or landlords. A contract that will stand up in court that you never allow to run over six months will give you the landlord a lot more protection. A right to enter under an accepted notice period and a set of keys for yourself are really important.

Are you saying you can't presently gain entry to the property?