Bailiffs report rise in illegal sub-lets

National Enforcement Services, one of the UK’s leading bailiff and private investigation services, is reporting a rise in the number of properties being unlawfully sub-let.

The bailiff and debt collection firm, which is based in Manchester, has seen an increase in commercial property tenants letting out a facility to another party against the conditions set out in their tenancy agreement.

A property may only be sub-let under the terms of the lease if the landlord has given express permission in writing. However many commercial tenants are flouting the agreed terms of their contract.

In a situation where a property is being sublet, the landlord becomes the head landlord and the tenant becomes a mesne tenant.

However, if the individual who is inside the premises at the time of the debt collection is not the tenant, then it is the responsibility of the landlord to evict them.

National Enforcement Services carries out a range of actions, which also include carrying out evictions as well as collection of monies owed.

Andy Coates, CEO of National Enforcement Services , said: “It is concerning that so many properties we see are not being run or operated by the tenant under the terms of the original lease.

He added, “The landlord must be aware of who is letting their premises at all times and be aware it is their responsibility to evict a tenant if that tenant is flouting the sub-letting clause of their agreements.”