I need to find my joint tenant that owes me money.
I need to know the best way to get this money assuming he does get a CCJ.
Background
I moved in with a "mate" on fixed term joint tenancy and we agreed on 50/50 split for rent & bills. My "mate" lost his job a couple months in so could not afford his share of the rent.
He said (I have email with this too) that he would pay me back once he got a new job. He borrowed some money from family and made some contribution but not the full rent. I had to make up the difference to LL. I had to borrow some money from my bank to cover this.
He got a new well paying job but then decided to "forget" his promises to repay his share of the rent. However, ongoing rent was paid 50/50, same too for bills (except the final ones).
We agreed to give notice to LL/LA that would leave end of fixed term. Two weeks before he moved out leaving keys. LL/LA did check out and there were valid deductions for professional cleaning and some small damage to curtain pull cord in his room (I didn't check before the inspection, he wasn't present.)
There are also outstanding amounts for the council tax and gas/electric/water bills.
Main issues
This "mate" has disappeared, unfriended on Facebook, not answering personal mobile, personal email, no forwarding address. This was about a month ago. I'm assumed he has found a new place to live "permanently".
I haven't yet got the final figure for the council tax, I've informed them I've moved out. Not sure how to get that finalised quickly.
I'm owed approx. £3500 and I believe his new job pays about £4000/month net. (I helped him review his application for his new job.)
I'd like to take him to small claims but not sure how to get his address to serve papers.
I have his bank account number and I have his business card with work address.
He is Italian from Milan. Although I'm sure he is still in the London area (I've seen his twitter feed) and working for this English registered company. I'm concerned if he does get a CCJ that he will skip back to Italy - then what?
Also not sure best chance to get money back, I don't think he has much of value and probably owes family for past rent too. I'm thinking attachment of earnings but also maybe bankruptcy, or even DCA?