Practical help for landlords dealing with missed rent, Universal Credit issues, repayment plans and escalation decisions.
Quick answer
Act early, keep a clean rent ledger, write clearly and separate support/repayment options from legal escalation.
First 7 days after missed rent
- Check the rent due date and amount.
- Send a polite arrears reminder.
- Ask whether there is a payment problem or Universal Credit issue.
- Update the rent ledger and save the message.
When arrears continue
- Send a firmer arrears letter with the balance and payment options.
- Consider a repayment plan if the tenant engages.
- Signpost to benefits/debt support where appropriate.
- Prepare possession evidence if arrears approach the legal threshold.
Evidence to keep
- rent ledger
- bank statements
- tenant messages
- repayment proposals
- UC/direct payment correspondence
Common mistakes
- Letting arrears build silently.
- Using aggressive wording before clarifying the reason.
- Not keeping a running balance.
- Confusing housing benefit/UC delays with deliberate non-payment.
Related resources
- Rent arrears letter
- Repayment plan template
- Universal Credit rent arrears
- Rent arrears calculator
Sources to review
- Government Housing Hub landlord overview
- GOV.UK guide to the Renters’ Rights Act
- NRLA Renters’ Rights Act resource hub
Disclaimer: This is general information for landlords and is not legal advice. Check current official guidance before serving notices, changing rent, refusing requests or starting possession.