Tennant has done a runner, please advise me !

[Pigsinablanket]

Hi, I have been renting out my old house for the past year. The lady who rented from me appeared to be lovely but unfortunately has done a runner, left the place in a right old state carpets ruined, fixtures broken/pulled off the walls, dog piddle in every room etc.
I have reconciled myself to the fact she is gone and I probably will never see her or her rent again but am now concerned about the bills/final demands debt management agency letters that are arriving at the house in her name. I am trying to get the place tidied up again with a view to selling it but wondering what if anything should I be doing about her debts? Will this have any impact when I come to sell? I know I shouldn't have opened her mail but I was hoping to discover any details that would track her down .... I would love to let her current landlord know just what sort of character she is. Many thanks for your words of wisdom and advice!!!

So sorry should be tenant !!!

Just write on the envelopes not known at this address and return them. I really wouldn't open any more mail though as its a criminal offence And the last thing you would need is that.

I'm sorry I'm not much more help, hopefully someone else can advise re: tracking her down.

The debts are hers and in her name. They are not your responsibility. DP has several properties and is constantly being hassled by companies chasing him for an ex-tenants debt. He just ignores.

Assuming you still have a protected deposit in a scheme, you can make deductions to cover some of the damage.

Have you informed the utility companies & council tax?

That's great to know thanks both so much. Yes you are right twirly, I will take that approach from now on regarding her mail.....I would just hate to think she will do the same to her next landlord. Thanks again !

Yes lotsof, the deposit will cover her rental arrears but unfortunately won't help with re carpeting the entire house ,re painting, and the new kitchen needed as her dog chewed the units! The utilities were all metered thank goodness and I had paid the rates for the year in advance. You live and learn I suppose!!

It's NOT illegal to open her post, it's only an offence if you intend to do something with it to their detriment or you act without reasonable excuse. So in your situation I would open everything and give the debt collectors a ring passing on any info you have as to her new whereabouts. We've had to do this with a lot of previous tenants stuff and the companies are normally really helpful and we don't get any more letters.
Hope the damage isn't too expensive to fix and it doesn't put you off renting to someone in the future, I rent and treat the house as if it were my own. Makes me really angry that people can treat someone else's house with such disrespect and give renters a bad name.

Thanks mrsnoon, we've had really lovely people in the past, who have left the place nicer than when they'd moved in! One couple even replaced an ugly looking fireplace and left us brand new Venetian blinds when they moved on! Unfortunately I have no idea where she has gone to so I don't suppose there's much point in phoning the various parties involved....

Does your landlord insurance policy have malicious damage cover? If so, you may be able to claim against it.

Both times we have moved house, some scammer has latched on to the house and we have had bailiffs and debt collection letters for someone who never lived there. I always open them, ring the company and explain - never hear anything more about it. Has lasted 3-4 years both times.

If you have malicious cover you may be able to claim. It doesn't often come as standard though and is a reuquested add on.