Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

[Gringo]

Hello everybody. I would appreciate some information on the following. Will keep at short as possible.

I have had terrible problems with neighbours in my block of flats. About a year ago new people moved into the flat below me. It became quickly apparent that they were not living there but using the property as a brothel. (very blatantly)

I work long shift hours and this has caused me major stress, illness and lost attendance days at work due to them keeping me awake. I have made numerous complaints to the landlords and provided evidence of this brothel (found their online advert).

The landlords have done NOTHING about it and have fobbed me off time and time again and now avoid talking to me.

I informed the landlords two months ago that due to this I will no longer pay my rent and the situation now is I will be leaving the property next month to go and live abroad (getting married to my partner in mexico) I will be owing 3 months rent which i am considering not paying as a matter of principle before I leave.

My question is. Will this debt lead to an arrest warrant? If so will this become legal in mexico? Would it mean that my name would appear on an international flag that would lead to arrest in the future?

Basically given the situation above and my moving abroad how will this affect me further down the line?

[nemesis45]

Re: Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

Hello everybody. I would appreciate some information on the following. Will keep at short as possible.

I have had terrible problems with neighbours in my block of flats. About a year ago new people moved into the flat below me. It became quickly apparent that they were not living there but using the property as a brothel. (very blatantly)

I work long shift hours and this has caused me major stress, illness and lost attendance days at work due to them keeping me awake. I have made numerous complaints to the landlords and provided evidence of this brothel (found their online advert).

The landlords have done NOTHING about it and have fobbed me off time and time again and now avoid talking to me.

I informed the landlords two months ago that due to this I will no longer pay my rent and the situation now is I will be leaving the property next month to go and live abroad (getting married to my partner in mexico) I will be owing 3 months rent which i am considering not paying as a matter of principle before I leave.

My question is. Will this debt lead to an arrest warrant? If so will this become legal in mexico? Would it mean that my name would appear on an international flag that would lead to arrest in the future?

Basically given the situation above and my moving abroad how will this affect me further down the line?

Good evening, welcome to LB.

Brothels are illegal in the UK, if you had concerns these should have been reported to the police.
Debt is not a criminal offence in the UK.

The landlord could issue a county court claim (Civil Court) which if judgement is given will
remain on your credit reference file for 6 years from the date of judgement.

nem

[Gringo]

Re: Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

Hi nemesis. Thanks for your reply I did report to the police but they too did nothing much that I am aware of. What your are saying is that I if don't pay I will get a CCJ but not a police record is that correct? Am I right in saying the CCJ will only effect my UK credit rating? I am personally more worried about an arrest warrant being issued

[nemesis45]

Re: Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

Hi nemesis. Thanks for your reply I did report to the police but they too did nothing much that I am aware of. What your are saying is that I if don't pay I will get a CCJ but not a police record is that correct? Am I right in saying the CCJ will only effect my UK credit rating? I am personally more worried about an arrest warrant being issued

Only Could get a CCJ Gringo if the landlord is aware/complicit in the matter of the
" brothel" he may not want to be involved in court action of any sort.

Debt is a civil matter in the UK and not criminal no police record would be made.

nem

[Gringo]

Re: Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

Makes sense. Thanks for your help!

[Celestine]

Re: Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

Spot on advice! Definitely no possibility of criminal record. Fair possibility of a CCJ on your credit file; which will fall off after 6 years.

A friend of mine recently found herself in exactly same position as you with a rented neighbour upstairs from her owned flat. Landlord/police utterly disinterested. Social services moderately interested in clients 'visiting' while 2 children under 8 in property. Friend and husband threatened with death if they complained...police still disinterested. Extraordinary and nothing they could do....at all. Thankfully the neighbour finally left when police investigated drug activity!!

So, in short....enjoy Mexico and good luck!!

[woungd]

Re: Going abroad owing rent - What will happen?

As a previous landlord myself, if one of my tenant did leave owing me money, I would not take him/her to court to reclaim the lost because it would be throwing good money after bad. I could not evict the tenant neither unless I go to court, most private landlord would just hope that you go away so that he can rent to someone else. It seems that you have the upper hand as it is, I can not tell you not to pay what you owe, of course if you owes money to someone you should pay, but if cannot, he will be glad to see the back of you. It is a civil matter, you will not get your deposit back. You may be of course be taken to the county court and have a claim against you.
You should also have your complaint made in writing and explain that you are withholding the rents for damages and due to his/her failure to conform to the tenancy agreement. You tenancy agreement should have a part where it gives you the right to enjoy the property . Check your tenancy agreement, you letter should tell him that he has broken the agreement. Anyway Mexico is a long way away, but you want to avoid having a county court judgement against you name just in case you return back to the uk and want to apply for some credit.