At the end of my rope, really don't know where to turn next!

[tootiredtomakeupagoodname]

Basically my DH and I are having to live abroad as there are very few jobs in is sector of employment at the moment. We are renting a house where we are staying. While we are away we are renting out our own home. The tenant, a single, elderly woman moved in January and stopped paying rent in April. She has redecorated the house, has a dog and is sub letting to three adults in there twenties, in the middle of this there is also a 3 year old child living there. She has told us that she is withholding rent as there is damp in one of the bedrooms but she is refusing to allow us into the house to look at the problem. We sent a section 21 notice in May which will be up in July she has not contested this but has said she will not be moved so will will have to go to court and involve baliffs. We are really struggling financially and I really can't see a way out of this. The rent only covered 60% of the mortgage anyway, it has never been a profit making scheme but now we are covering 100% of the mortgage, insuring the property as well as paying rent and insurance on the house we are living in. I have two young children and just feel totally helpless while the lawyers fees are mounting up. I just want to go in and change the locks but the law is behind her. Any advice would be gratefully received. Sorry this is so long...

[Collaborate]

You seem to be doing things right.

[scurryfunge]

You will have to stick to the legal route, I am afraid, tempting though it is. My sister was in a similar situation and it took months to resolve. I hope it works out for you.