My tenants disappeared overnight owing me £1400 and taking with them the water heater and a number of electrical fittings. They stopped paying their rent in January, saying they were claiming housing benefit and that I would be paid by the council. I have tracked them down, but I know their business went bust so would I be throwing good money after bad by taking them to court?
Failing to pay their rent is one thing; stealing your property is quite another. I suggest you contact the police immediately if you haven’t already done so. If your tenants are convicted of theft you can ask the court for a compensation order. If that money is forthcoming you may consider it worthwhile to sue them for the rent arrears.