Rent arrears in a private tenancy
Contact your landlord about rent
Speak to your landlord as soon as you can. Tell them:
why you are behind with the rent
what you are doing to sort things out
Some people worry about talking to their landlord about money problems. But it can help to sort things out if they know you are dealing with your rent arrears.
Get debt advice as soon as you miss a rent payment, or if you think you might miss one.
Video: Talk to your landlord about arrears
Video transcript
A lot of people who've fallen behind with their rent are really worried about speaking to their landlord if they've missed a rent payment.
But one of the first things I tell people when they come to me for help is to contact the landlord straight away to make sure they know what you're doing to try and sort things out.
If you don't, they might think you're ignoring the problem.
Tell the landlord:
why you missed a rent payment
what you're doing to try and sort things out - like claiming benefits, getting debt advice or money help
any important changes that affect your finances - like starting a new job, or getting a discretionary housing payment from the council
when you'll be back in touch with a plan to repay your arrears, or what you can afford to repay each month
Don't be tempted to agree to repayments that you can't afford.
If you can't make the payments, it could make things worse.
Keep any messages, emails or copies of letters you send to your landlord, so you can keep track of what you told them.
Get debt and legal advice to help you sort out repayment plans, increase your income, deal with your landlord and check notices if you're asked to leave.
Shelter adviser Hannah talks about how important it is to tell your landlord how you plan to manage rent arrears.
[Video length: 01:11]
Keep written records
Use email, messages or a letter so you have a record of:
when you contacted the landlord or agent
what you said to them
Keep emails, messages and letters together in a file or in a folder on your computer or phone.
Use our letter template
Copy our letter template into an email or message to your landlord.
[Use the subject: Late rent payment]
I'm writing to you about the rent that I owe.
I'm sorry that I've been unable to pay my full rent this month. I appreciate that this puts us both in a difficult position.
[Say why you could not pay on time. Tell them when you can pay if you know this]
I would like to reassure you that I am getting advice on my situation. I will contact you as soon as I can with a repayment proposal.
You can also send the letter as an email attachment or by post:
Word template: Contact your landlord about late rent (docx 14kb)
OpenDocument template: Contact your landlord about late rent (odt 6kb)
How to deal with pressure to leave
You cannot be forced to leave your home straight away if you are behind with the rent. Your landlord must follow the legal eviction process if they want you to leave.
It could be harassment if your landlord says you have to leave because of rent arrears.
Find letter templates to explain your rights if you have rent arrears.
Get advice as soon as you miss a payment
Find out where to get:
Benefits advisers can check your benefits, help you apply and sort out mistakes by the DWP or the council.
Debt and money advisers can help you budget and sort out debts.
Last updated: 1 January 2025
