Debt Recovery - Property Lettings & Revenue (Not Litigation)
Understanding Debt Recovery
When a tenant vacates leaving rent unpaid and/or fails to meet their obligations under the terms of the tenancy agreement, recovering the money owed can be challenging and time-consuming. However the debt has arisen, taking the right approach to recovery is key to achieving a successful outcome.
Our debt recovery team assists both individuals and businesses in recovering outstanding sums owed by current and former tenants. We provide practical, commercially focused advice at every stage of the process, from assessing the strength of your claim and sending formal letters before action, through to issuing court proceedings where necessary. Wherever possible, we aim to resolve disputes efficiently, while remaining prepared to take decisive action if payment is not forthcoming.
If you are a private landlord, we are here to help you recover what you are owed as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Why Dutton Gregory
Recovering outstanding debts requires more than legal knowledge. It requires a strategic and commercially minded approach. At Dutton Gregory, we understand that every case is different, and we tailor our advice to your individual circumstances and objectives.
Our dedicated Property Lettings & Revenue team has extensive experience acting for private landlords, letting agents, property managers and businesses, providing straightforward guidance throughout the recovery process. We recognise the importance of balancing robust debt recovery with protecting ongoing business relationships wherever possible.
As a Lexcel Accredited law firm, recognised by The Law Society for excellence in legal practice and client care, you can have confidence that your matter will be handled professionally, transparently and to the highest standard. From your initial enquiry through to resolution, we are committed to providing responsive communication, practical advice, and a service you can rely on.
Pricing Structure for Debt Recovery
Our dedicated and experienced debt recovery team aims to recover money as quickly as possible at minimum cost to our clients.
| Our Fees | Court Fee | Additional Fees / Information | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enquiry agent – trace and means report (payable regardless of outcome) | £85.00 + VAT | £55.00 + VAT (no charge where no positive report returned) | |
| Letter before action (LBA) | £200.00 + VAT | Not applicable | Sending to additional addresses, £75.00 + VAT per address |
| Small Claims – undefended (includes up to 2 hours of time) | £470.00 + VAT | Dependent on claim amount | See the court website for court fee information: 'www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/court-fees' |
| Attachment of earnings (includes up to 2 hours of time) | £470.00 + VAT | £139.00 | Court fee may increase if a full order is required |
| High court enforcement officers (HCE Bailiffs) | £470.00 + VAT | £82.00 | £75 plus VAT if the matter is closed by the bailiffs or yourself. |
| Charging order | £550.00 + VAT | Land registry registration - £10.00 + VAT | |
| Annual Payment plan | £120.00 + VAT | Per annum for period of time taken to repay the debt | |
| * VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate at the time of invoicing. |
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Our rates
The basis for our charges for debt recovery is our hourly charging rates, which are reviewed annually. These depend on the level of seniority and experience of the individual carrying out the work for you. The standard range of our hourly rates is:
| Partners, Consultants and solicitors with 8 or more years’ post qualification experience: | £300 to £475 an hour | + VAT |
| Solicitors and senior legal executives with 4 or more years’ post qualification experience: | £250 to £300 an hour | + VAT |
| Other solicitors, legal executives and paralegals of equivalent experience: | £195 to £250 an hour | + VAT |
| Trainee solicitors, paralegals and experienced but unqualified assistants: | £120 to £235 an hour | + VAT |
| * VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate at the time of invoicing. |
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What is included in Our Fees?
For most cases, the fees set out above cover all the work in relation to the following key stages of an undisputed debt claim:
- Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation;
- Instructing enquiry agent
- Undertaking appropriate searches with enquiry agent;
- Drafting and sending a letter before action;
- Creating and monitoring a payment plan, should one be agreed.
- Receiving payment and sending onto you, or if the debt is not paid, drafting and issuing claim;
- Where no Acknowledgement of Service or Defence is received, applying to the court to enter Judgment in default;
- When Judgment in default is received, writing to the other side to request payment;
- If payment is not received within 28 days, providing you with advice on the next steps and likely costs of enforcement.
What is Not included in Our Fees?
- The costs of enforcing any judgment.
- The costs of any application by the debtor to set aside a judgment.
Please note that if the matter is already disputed or subsequently becomes disputed or defended then fixed fees will not apply. Bespoke estimates will be provided for these matters.
How long will my matter take?
The timescale will often depend on how quickly the debtor responds and / or the court processes and issues the claim, and serves it on the debtor. If you are seeking to recover an undisputed debt from an individual the pre-action protocol prohibits the issue of proceedings until the timescales have been adhered to.
While no debt recovery process can guarantee a successful outcome, we will provide honest advice on the prospects of recovery from the outset and work proactively to achieve the best possible result in a practical and cost-effective manner.
Please note that if enforcement action is taken, this could add considerable time to concluding your case due to reliance on the Court service and/or third-party action e.g. Bailiffs
Please be aware that our fees are subject to revision. To receive a fully personalised quote, please click on the Contact Us button below, call your nearest office or email [email protected]
Get in touch
To find out how we can support you, contact our friendly team today