Thought I would let you know how it all turned out- God what a weekend
So, a friend who lives opposite text me Friday afternoon to say that they were moving out. So I just called her and she agreed she would leave by 1pm Saturday and would push the key through the door. I asked her where she was going and she said back to her moms in Kingswinford. I didn't believe that for a second so decided to a bit of detective work. I drove up there Saturday morning and saw them getting everything into a van, so I parked at the end of the road and followed them.... to a brand new four bed detached house less than a mile around the corner!!!

I couldn't believe it, I got the address, I could see there was a board up the side of the house but couldn't get any details. So I came back home and put the address into Rightmove- and guess what---- the agent that has let the new house to them is the same agent who put them into our house!! He knows I have just evicted them and they have a CCJ!!!

So, I have a list for tomo- call Trading Standards and report them, call Solicitor and see if we can sue this agent for breach of contract, call the bailiff and send them to their new address to get the bloody money they own us.
Anyways, back to our house, we went in and it was riffy filthy, I mean filthy, slime all over the floor, the oven was coated in black sludge, the windows were black, they had taken all of our curtains, a few holes punched in walls and doors but no real sturcural damage. I have spent the last two days cleaning, scrubbing, going to the tip, picking fag ends out of the garden. And they left loads of paperwork too, bank statements, letters from bailiffs, debt collectors, loans, store cards, pawn brokers, she owes the Avon about £600!
All in all, this has been an awful experience but it could have been worse. I am just grateful that they left and we have had the locks changed and it looked ok when we came away today. I am still going to take the time off work as there is so much to sort out. I am going to ring all the debtors and explain and give their new address. They must be laughing, thinking they have slinked off. The neighbours came out to tell us various stories, they asked the guy opposite to lend them money, one night they knocked next door and said they didn't have a babysitter and would they mind their kid whilst they went out! One neighbour said he had had a letter from the police asking if they knew his whereabouts!!
I had thought they were both in their 40s, couldn't believe it when I found their DOB- she is the same age as me (28) and he is a year younger than me!!!! It must be all the pressjure of living life looking over your shoulder why they look haggered! When I think that we are the same age, and how different our lives are.
So, to say I am relieved that they have gone is an under statement. this whole experience has been an eye opener. I have discovered ANYBODY can be a Letting Agent- you are not governed by anybody- and seemingly you can do as you please and there are no consequences. Also as a landlord you have no rights whatsoever. I will now be using a reputable agent, with tenants that are properly vetted, and I will pay for a rent guarantee from the agent. Onwards and upwards. . . . . . x