Tenant eviction is rarely a scenario that landlords look forward to — yet it remains an unfortunate reality in property management. This past week, our team at West Country Bailiffs was involved in a case in Bristol that highlighted the serious consequences of long-term tenant neglect. In this particular situation, the landlord had pursued an eviction due to ongoing rent arrears, only to discover that the property had sustained severe internal damage upon regaining possession.
Walls were vandalised, carpets ruined, and fixtures either broken or removed entirely. The property — once a well-maintained rental investment — had been left in a shocking state of disrepair. For the landlord, this meant not only lost rent but significant costs to restore the property to a habitable condition.
This case underscores two critical points:
- The importance of proactive property management and
- The need for swift and lawful action when a tenancy goes wrong.
Understanding the Risks Landlords Face
Being a landlord comes with a range of responsibilities, but unfortunately, even the most diligent property owners can encounter problem tenants. Issues we frequently see include:
- Persistent rent arrears
- Refusal to grant access for inspections
- Damage to property (either accidental or deliberate)
- Anti-social behaviour or illegal activity
- Unauthorised subletting or alterations
When these issues arise, landlords can feel overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed, especially when tenants are uncooperative or aggressive.
Protecting Your Property Before Issues Escalate
There are several steps landlords can take to help reduce the risk of significant property damage and tenancy issues:
✅ Conduct Thorough Tenant Referencing
Before letting a property, always carry out credit checks, reference previous landlords, and confirm income/employment. Prevention is better than cure.
✅ Carry Out Regular Property Inspections
Periodic inspections (with appropriate notice) allow you to identify potential problems early and maintain a visible presence as a responsible landlord.
✅ Maintain Clear, Comprehensive Tenancy Agreements
Set out expectations clearly from the outset — including responsibilities for maintenance, cleanliness, and behaviour.
✅ Act Quickly on Arrears or Breaches
Early communication and prompt action can often resolve issues before they escalate. If a tenant continues to breach the agreement, don’t delay in seeking advice.
When Eviction Becomes Necessary
Despite best efforts, some situations do require formal eviction proceedings. At West Country Bailiffs, we provide landlords with end-to-end support through every stage of the process.
Our team of certificated enforcement agents and specialist paralegals are experienced in handling evictions sensitively, lawfully, and efficiently. Here’s how we can help:
🛠 Legal Preparation
We assist in preparing and serving the appropriate notices (Section 8, Section 21, or commercial rent arrears notices), ensuring all documentation complies with current legislation. We partner with specialist eviction solicitors to give our clients preferential rates on the legal process to obtain a possession order.
⚖ Court Support and Transfer to High Court
If a possession order has already been obtained, we can assist in transferring the order to the High Court for eviction enforcement, expediting the process significantly. We also offer managed evictions through the county court process, taking the stress of the service away from you.
🚪 Enforcement and Attendance
Our experienced agents attend the property with you to enforce the order, secure vacant possession, and ensure the tenant vacates lawfully. In the case of rent arrears, we can also issue a Letter Before Action or a formal payment demand — served at the same time — to help recover funds owed.
Why Choose West Country Bailiffs?
We’re more than just enforcement officers — we’re your strategic partner during one of the most challenging phases of property management. With a strong reputation for professionalism, discretion, and fast action, we aim to:
- Regain control of your property swiftly
- Reduce further financial loss
- Protect your legal rights throughout the process
- Provide peace of mind and reliable support
Whether you’re dealing with a non-paying tenant, unlawful occupation, or property damage, West Country Bailiffs is here to help.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re a landlord dealing with a difficult tenant or looking to better protect your rental investments, we encourage you to get in touch. We’ll provide a tailored approach based on your circumstances — no pressure, just honest advice and effective service.
Contact West Country Bailiffs today for advice or a no-obligation quote. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence and legal clarity. We cover the whole of the South West of England which includes the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
📞 01803 895441
📧 enforcement@westcountrybailiffs.co.uk
🌐 https://westcountrybailiffs.co.uk/residential-evictions/
