The Classic Deception

You agree a 12 month Tenancy. The Tenant pays the Deposit and first months rent by cheque. They move in, cheque bounces and they now declare they have lost their job.

This could be genuine but it is amazing how many times we come across this situation. It could be that they have been previously evicted or simply could not raise the deposit. Worse case is that this person turns out to be a 'professional tenant' - They fully understand the law and know it could take you several months to evict them.

The problem you are now faced with is that the tenant has secured possession and is protected by the various Housing Acts.
Despite the fact you have received no monies you are still duty bound to proceed with the lengthy possession process.
The questions now arise were you or your agent negligent in your vetting process or, were you duped by false misleading representations from the tenant or persons acting on their behalf [such as false references]?