Paying rent to a receiver
A receiver is a person or company appointed by your landlord's mortgage lender.
The lender might appoint a receiver if your landlord misses mortgage payments.
You pay your rent to a receiver and the receiver passes the money to the mortgage lender.
Some lenders do this instead of taking steps to repossess the property.
It often means you can stay in your home.
What to do if you get a letter
The receiver or their solicitors should send you a letter to tell you who they are.
You could ask for a letter from the lender to confirm a receiver has been appointed. The lender's contact details should be on the letter.
You will usually have to change your standing order if this is how you pay rent.
Pay your rent to the receiver even if your landlord says you must pay them.
Your landlord loses the right to have rent paid direct to them if a receiver is appointed.
If you pay rent to your landlord when it should go to the receiver you might still owe rent.
How does this affect your tenancy?
Your tenancy continues at the same rent.
Ask the receiver if they have responsibility for repairs.
You can still report repairs to your landlord if the receiver is not responsible.
If you want to end your tenancy, you usually have to give 2 months' notice. Send a copy of the notice to your landlord and the receiver.
Can a receiver evict you?
A receiver can sell the property while you're living there.
This usually happens if your landlord cannot repay their mortgage arrears.
The receiver can sell the property without ending your tenancy.
If this happens, your tenancy continues and the new owner becomes your landlord.
If the receiver wants to end your assured tenancy before selling, they must give you a valid section 8 notice.
You should get at least 4 months' notice if the receiver wants to end your tenancy before selling. You do not have to leave when the notice period ends if you have nowhere to move to.
The receiver has to ask the court for a possession order to end your tenancy.
Contact the council if you could become homeless.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
