This guide provides practical steps to support a social tenant with rent arrears before court action starts.

A social tenant rents their home from a local council or housing association. It is important to act quickly when a tenant owes rent. Early support can help reduce the arrears, prevent legal action, and lower the risk of the tenant losing their home.

Why early action matters

When a tenant falls behind on rent, the landlord can start formal recovery action. Early advice can help the tenant:

• understand what’s causing the arrears

• negotiate a repayment plan

• access benefits or financial support

• communicate effectively with their landlord

• avoid court action