Flatmate living illegally.

[Stueyyy]

I had a flat in Edinburgh with two flatmates, those two moved out and I gave a lease to a girl so she could sign up to the lease and move in. I gave her a set of keys as I was going away for a couple of weeks. I came back to the girl moved in, was paying the rent and bills into my account and so I assumed everything was fine.

 

It was then in the last month that I found out she had not signed up to the lease and was therefore living illegally in my flat for the past 6 months. She then went on to move out without paying the remainder of what I was owed and so I have been left out of pocket.

 

I realise I probably cannot get the money from her as I was not careful, but would I be able to report her to the council to show she had been living with me illegally? As she had been dodging tax as well and I do not wish to help her.

 

Thanks for any reply.

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

I'd chalk this up to experience I think, no tenancy agreement/lease it will be your word against hers.

[stu007]

Hi

 

Could you clarify whether you are the actual Landlord or just a Tenant?

[Steve__M]

A contract formalises an agreement, but an agreement can still exist without a contract being signed. So in no sense was she living there "illegally".

 

Why would the council care?

 

Number one lesson though make it clear that you won't give anyone the keys till you have all of the rent and all of the deposit you've asked for, and until they've signed the paperwork.