Help 4 Landlords
Find the information needed to progress recovery
A trace may help locate a former tenant or debtor for a legitimate recovery purpose. The instruction should identify the lawful purpose, the subject accurately and how the result will be used. A trace is information, not proof that recovery will succeed.
A trace may help locate a former tenant or debtor for a legitimate recovery purpose. The instruction should identify the lawful purpose, the subject accurately and how the result will be used. A trace is information, not proof that recovery will succeed.
What this helps you protect
- Improve the address information available for pre-action or service
- Avoid issuing against an obviously stale address
- Connect tracing to a proportionate recovery decision
- Receive a clear result without relying on unverified database-percentage claims
Provide the full name, previous address, date of birth if lawfully held, tenancy dates and other identifiers. More accurate inputs reduce false matches. Information must be handled securely and used only for the stated legitimate purpose. Do not attempt to obtain private data through neighbours, social engineering or misleading contact.
Case preparation
Why the file matters as much as the form
The service explains the purpose, inputs, result and limitations without relying on unsupported database-percentage claims. Current supplier, fee and no-trace-no-fee terms are confirmed when the case is scoped.
A careful review also helps the landlord distinguish what is known from what still needs proof. That supports a realistic discussion about cost, timing and whether voluntary resolution should be attempted before the next formal stage.
Useful documents to gather
- Written tenancy, lease or occupation terms
- Payment schedule and supporting records
- Deposit and statutory information where relevant
- Repairs, inspections, correspondence and incident evidence
- Every notice, court order or letter already sent
A clear route
How the staged process works
The exact law and forms depend on the case, but the working method is consistent: understand, verify, act and review before escalating.
Start with the facts
Explain the tenancy or occupation, what has happened, the outcome you need and any deadlines. A clear chronology helps identify the relevant jurisdiction and route.
Review the evidence
Bring the written terms, payment record, deposit information, prescribed documents, correspondence, photographs and any previous notice. Missing evidence is easier to address before proceedings begin.
Choose and complete the correct step
The notice, pre-action letter, claim or enforcement application must match the facts. The aim is a defensible file, not paperwork issued for speed alone.
Progress only when the legal trigger is met
If the tenant or debtor does not resolve the matter, the next stage is discussed with its cost, evidence and court or enforcement dependency made clear.
Transparent residential pricing
Start with the stage your case needs
For standard residential possession work, Strike 1 is £200. Strike 2 starts from £700 plus £452 court fees. The current facts and paperwork are reviewed before confirming scope. Commercial, defended, complex, enforcement, tracing and debt matters are quoted separately.
Common questions
Questions landlords ask about this route
What information helps a trace?
A full legal name, previous address, tenancy dates and accurate identifiers lawfully held for the case.
Can you guarantee a current address?
No. Data can be incomplete or change quickly, and any result should be assessed before formal use.
Is tracing lawful?
It can be when there is a legitimate purpose and data is handled proportionately. The instruction and use should be documented.
Does a trace recover the money?
No. It supplies information that may support pre-action, court or enforcement decisions.
How much does it cost?
Current supplier and service terms are confirmed after the instruction is reviewed; earlier price information is not relied on.
Make the first review productive
Bring the documents in date order and identify the outcome you need, any urgent deadline and anything the tenant disputes. That gives the case handler a clearer starting point, reduces repeated requests and helps separate immediate action from later court, recovery or enforcement decisions.