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What you can do about rent arrears – a guide


If you allow your rent arrears to build up, you could lose your home. Find out how to avoid this by managing your debts and finding a solution with your landlord. Also, if your landlord takes you to court, find out about getting advice and what happens on the day.

Take action if you are behind with your rent

If you are behind with your rent, or are worried that you’ll have difficulties paying in future, take action immediately by following these three steps:
  • find out what kind of tenancy you have
  • get advice and plan a budget to tackle your debts
  • try to find a solution with your landlord
If your landlord sends you letters about rent arrears, make sure you read them. The letters will contain information about how much rent you owe and action your landlord is going to take.

1: Find out what kind of tenancy you have

A tenancy is a written legal agreement between a landlord and tenant about renting a property. The kind of tenancy you have will make a big difference to what may happen if you have rent arrears.
Find out what kind of tenancy you have by following the link below.

Or, see the section ‘Help and advice’ in ‘Rent arrears’ to contact an adviser who may be able to say what kind of tenancy you have.

The difference your tenancy will make

If your landlord takes you to court, the judge will look at the kind of tenancy you have when making a decision. The kind of tenancy you have can mean the judge decides either:
  • when, and not if, you must leave your home
  • when and how rent arrears are paid and whether you can stay in your home
Follow the link below to find out about some of the different kinds of tenancy.


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What you can do about rent arrears - a guide : Directgov - Home and community