Skip to main content
To Let sign on a British terraced house representing rent arrears

Rent Arrears: What to Do If You Fall Behind on Rent

Updated for 2026

Falling behind on rent is one of the most stressful financial problems a household can face. With average private rents in England reaching record highs, more tenants than ever are struggling to keep up with payments. If you have rent arrears, you are not alone, and there are practical steps you can take to get back on track.

What Are Rent Arrears?

Rent arrears simply means you owe your landlord money because you have missed one or more rent payments. Even a single missed payment counts as arrears. The amount you owe can build up quickly if you do not address it early.

Whether you rent from a private landlord, a housing association, or a local council, the basic principle is the same: if your rent is not paid on time, you are in arrears.

Why Rent Arrears Are Rising in 2026

The cost of living crisis has pushed household budgets to breaking point. According to the Office for National Statistics, private rental prices in England rose by 8.7% in the year to January 2026, far outpacing wage growth in many sectors.

Several factors are driving rent arrears higher:

  • Rising energy and food costs eating into disposable income
  • Interest rate increases pushing up buy-to-let mortgage costs, which landlords pass on to tenants
  • Cuts to Universal Credit and housing benefit not keeping pace with actual rents
  • The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) freeze, which means housing benefit often falls short of market rents

Citizens Advice reported that rent debt enquiries increased by over 30% between 2023 and 2025, with no sign of slowing down.

What Happens If You Fall Behind on Rent?

If you miss a rent payment, your landlord will usually contact you to ask for the money. From there, the situation can escalate in several stages:

Informal Contact

Most landlords will start with a phone call, text, or letter asking you to pay. This is the best time to respond and discuss your situation honestly.

Formal Notice

Under the Housing Act 1988, if you have at least two months of rent arrears, your landlord can serve a Section 8 notice seeking possession. The Renters’ Reform Bill (expected to become law in 2026) proposes changes to the eviction process, but Section 8 grounds for serious rent arrears are likely to remain.

For periodic tenancies, landlords can also use a Section 21 “no-fault” notice, although this route is set to be abolished under the Renters’ Reform Bill.

Court Action

If you do not clear the arrears or agree a repayment plan, your landlord can apply to the county court for a possession order. The court will consider your circumstances, including any efforts you have made to pay.

Eviction

A court order does not mean you must leave immediately. You may be given time to pay, or the court may issue a suspended possession order, meaning you can stay as long as you stick to agreed payments.

Your Rights as a Tenant with Rent Arrears

Even if you owe rent, you still have important legal protections:

  • Your landlord cannot physically remove you or change the locks without a court order. Doing so is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977
  • Any eviction must follow the proper legal process through the courts
  • You have the right to challenge a possession claim in court and present your circumstances
  • If you receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, you may be able to have rent payments made directly to your landlord through an Alternative Payment Arrangement
  • Council tenants have additional protections and are entitled to a pre-action protocol before court proceedings begin

How to Deal with Rent Arrears

If you are behind on your rent, taking action early gives you the best chance of resolving the situation:

1. Talk to Your Landlord

Contact your landlord as soon as possible. Most landlords would rather agree a repayment plan than go through the expense and hassle of court proceedings. Be honest about your situation and propose a realistic amount you can afford to pay on top of your regular rent.

2. Check Your Benefit Entitlements

Use a free benefits calculator such as entitledto.co.uk to check whether you are receiving everything you are entitled to. Many people miss out on Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), Council Tax Reduction, or other support that could free up money for rent.

3. Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment

If your housing benefit or Universal Credit housing element does not cover your full rent, you can apply to your local council for a DHP. These one-off payments can help you clear arrears or cover a shortfall while you get back on your feet.

4. Create a Budget

Work out exactly what comes in and goes out each month. Prioritise rent as a priority debt, meaning it should be paid before non-essential spending and before unsecured debts like credit cards.

5. Get Free Debt Advice

If your rent arrears are part of a wider debt problem, free advice services can help you work out a plan. They may suggest options such as a Debt Relief Order, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, or simply negotiating with creditors on your behalf.

Where to Get Free Help with Rent Arrears

Several organisations offer free, confidential help with rent arrears and housing debt:

  • Citizens Advice: free advice on tenant rights and debt
  • MoneyHelper: government-backed money and debt guidance
  • StepChange: free debt advice charity
  • Shelter: specialist housing advice and legal support
  • GOV.UK: information on housing benefit and Universal Credit

Rent arrears are classed as a priority debt because falling behind can lead to losing your home. The sooner you seek help, the more options you will have.

Need Help with Rent Arrears?

If you are struggling with rent arrears or other debts, get in touch for free, confidential guidance on your next steps.

Get Free Help Now