Some tenants left owing rent arrears and unpaid bills. They also took some of the fittings. I know roughly where they live and that they are on housing benefit, but data protection prevents me from getting their exact address. Can I take them to court?
You will need their exact address to start court proceedings. Although the council cannot release information held on computer, you are entitled to inspect the electoral register, so you may be able to find your former tenants. However there’s no point taking them to court if they have no money. Report the theft to the police and improve your letting policy. Make sure you check the backgrounds of prospective tenants and take an adequate deposit to cover overdue rent. Above all, you must take action at the first sign of trouble.