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My first post after the HI! in the welcome thread so here goes...
I used to own a business but sold it and moved abroad. I assigned the lease on the property to the new owners but they have since closed the business and now the landlords are after me to pay the rent (and service charges/insurance) for the last six months. There are two years to go on the lease so they will be after me for that in due course as well.
My first question is, now that I am in Spain, how does this work? What process does the landlord have to go through to be able to force me to pay? In other words, does the fact I am in a different country mean it's not so easy to instruct bailiffs to come knocking on my door?
One major factor that I need to mention is that I do not possess any assets. The move to Spain was to assist an elderly relative and we are currently living in her house. I do not have a job, a house, a car or a bank account in my name in Spain. My total worth adds up to £124 in a joint bank account in the UK. My wife is working here and everything is in her name. Whilst this situation may work in my favour at the moment, I understand that this debt stays alive for 6 years (8 when you add in the 2 not due yet) and I can't see my situation staying the same for too long.
I don't really want this hanging over me for 8 years but I don't want to return to the UK either. The business premises are poorly maintained compared to others close by and it would be almost impossible to lease it to anyone for less than 2 years. The landlords' agents are also very difficult to deal with and did everything in their power to stop me from assigning it the first time. Since the transfer of the lease they have ignored my last 10 e-mails so It's fair to say that there has been a breakdown in communications and if I can, I'd prefer it if I never have anything to do with these people ever again.
Any advice on what my first step should be would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
I used to own a business but sold it and moved abroad. I assigned the lease on the property to the new owners but they have since closed the business and now the landlords are after me to pay the rent (and service charges/insurance) for the last six months. There are two years to go on the lease so they will be after me for that in due course as well.
My first question is, now that I am in Spain, how does this work? What process does the landlord have to go through to be able to force me to pay? In other words, does the fact I am in a different country mean it's not so easy to instruct bailiffs to come knocking on my door?
One major factor that I need to mention is that I do not possess any assets. The move to Spain was to assist an elderly relative and we are currently living in her house. I do not have a job, a house, a car or a bank account in my name in Spain. My total worth adds up to £124 in a joint bank account in the UK. My wife is working here and everything is in her name. Whilst this situation may work in my favour at the moment, I understand that this debt stays alive for 6 years (8 when you add in the 2 not due yet) and I can't see my situation staying the same for too long.
I don't really want this hanging over me for 8 years but I don't want to return to the UK either. The business premises are poorly maintained compared to others close by and it would be almost impossible to lease it to anyone for less than 2 years. The landlords' agents are also very difficult to deal with and did everything in their power to stop me from assigning it the first time. Since the transfer of the lease they have ignored my last 10 e-mails so It's fair to say that there has been a breakdown in communications and if I can, I'd prefer it if I never have anything to do with these people ever again.
Any advice on what my first step should be would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.
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