Debt Settlements

Aaron Sambells • April 26, 2022

Here are a couple of interesting cases we have been working on that have resulted in successful settlements being achieved for our clients.


Case One


We have been working with a well-known letting agent, helping them recover rent arrears on multiple matters. We had five landlords who were all owed significant arrears from the same debtor. 


The letting agent had attempted to contact the debtor to try to recover the debts in the past but was ignored or had the phone put down on them. Well drafted clear and concise letters before action (LBA) were sent out, stating the amount owed and consequences of non-payment. This was followed up a few days later with an email with attaching the LBA, and then followed by a phone call.


When I called, I was passed to the company director who was trying to reduce the debt by saying they had sublet these properties out and they had never received the rent. I quickly explained that this was their own agreement with their tenants, and our client needed to be paid regardless of that separate agreement.


Shortly afterwards, the debtor requested bank details in order to make payment and paid the debt in full a couple of days later. 


This was a great result for the landlords and the letting agent who had been chasing these debts unsuccessfully for some time.


Case Two


After recently gaining possession of a property and obtaining a possession order with a money judgment, this matter was referred over to our Debt Recovery team  to work their magic. We already had a judgment so we quickly traced the debtor so we could look to enforce the judgment.


Once we had all the information we needed from the client a trace was instructed and, only a couple of weeks later, we had a positive trace for a new address. As soon as this trace was sent to us, we sent out a pre-enforcement letter which explained to the debtor that we had a judgment, and we would look to enforce if payment was not made. 


We sent this letter to see if we could recover without incurring the additional time and costs of official enforcement methods.  It worked!  A few days later, the debtor got in touch and offered to pay by instalments over a set period,. The client accepted, extremely happy as they didn’t believe they would ever get their money back and certainly not so quickly.


Each case is different and it takes years of experience to know when to settle and when to push for more.


If you are owed money then feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to discuss your options for recovery.




Call us

Contact Us

News & Insights

A professional in a suit writing notes on a clipboard, symbolising legal documentation
By Arvinder Samra April 21, 2026
Buyers should arrange independent gas and electrical inspections before exchange to reduce risk, ensure safety, and avoid costly issues after completion.
A row of modern red-brick residential houses with pitched roofs, front gardens, and low brick walls
By Maureen Chigboh-Anyadi April 21, 2026
UK landlords in 2026: understand rights, responsibilities and legal obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act. Stay compliant and avoid costly risks.
Employment contract for UK business with legal gavel symbolising employment law, HR compliance
By Richard Hiron April 20, 2026
Employment offer letters can be legally binding contracts. Learn the risks for UK employers and how to avoid costly breaches of contract claims.
A glazed lemon drizzle loaf cake topped with thin lemon slices, mint leaves, and edible flowers,
By Zoe Turner April 15, 2026
Defamation in the digital age: can a viral nickname damage your reputation? Explore the Afroman case and what UK law says about online claims.
Auction sign with a judge’s gavel on a wooden desk, symbolising property or legal auction proceeding
By Daylia-Maria Jonson April 15, 2026
Compare auction vs private property sales in the UK. Learn important legal differences, risks, timelines, and how conveyancers guide buyers and sellers.
By Kirsty Jocham April 1, 2026
Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted at the Central South Business Awards, recognising the firm’s professional services, strong team culture and modern legal model.
Solicitor advising client on property ownership and transfer of equity paperwork in a UK legal
By Marcia Lopes March 31, 2026
Learn what a transfer of equity is, when you need one, the legal process, costs, and risks in this complete UK property guide.
By Kirsty Jocham March 23, 2026
Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Business Growth at the Modern Law Awards as three consultants also earn individual Consultant of the Year recognition.
Cardboard moving boxes scattered around a carpeted room, some open with packing paper and bubblewrap
By Maureen Chigboh-Anyadi March 19, 2026
Buying your first home in 2026? Discover legal pitfalls first-time buyers must avoid and how to protect your purchase from costly mistakes.
DISCOVER MORE