Struggling to pay your rent can feel scary, especially when everything else is getting more expensive too. If you’ve missed a payment or are worried you might soon, you’re not alone. More and more renters are in the same situation and need help to understand what happens next.
In this guide, we explain what rent arrears are, how many months you can be behind before facing eviction, and whether your landlord can charge interest. We’ll also look at how rent arrears can affect your credit score, if they can be written off, and – most importantly – what to do if you can’t afford your rent right now.
We’ll also highlight how professional debt management solutions can help if rent arrears are part of a bigger money problem – giving you a better chance of getting back on track and potentially avoid eviction.
What is rent arrears?
Rent arrears simply means you’ve fallen behind on your rent. If your rent is due every month and you miss a payment, you’re one month in arrears. Miss another, and the debt grows.
Rent is a priority payment, which means it’s more important than other debts like credit cards or overdrafts. That’s because falling too far behind on rent could put your home at risk.
How many months can you be in rent arrears before eviction?
There’s no fixed rule, but if you’re two months or more behind on rent, your landlord may be able to start the eviction process using something called a Section 8 notice.
A Section 8 notice is a legal letter your landlord can give you when you’ve broken the terms of your tenancy – like not paying your rent. It’s the first step in the eviction process. The notice will say how much rent you owe and give you a deadline to either pay or leave.
If you don’t pay the arrears or move out by the date in the notice, your landlord can apply to the court for permission to evict you. If the court agrees, they’ll issue a possession order. After that, bailiffs may get involved to remove you from the property – but this can take several months.
Remember, you still have rights during this process. You can explain your situation to the court, and it might be possible to make an agreement with your landlord before things go further.
Can a landlord charge interest on rent arrears?
Yes – but only if it’s included in your tenancy agreement. Some agreements allow landlords to charge interest when rent is paid late, but the details must be clearly stated in the contract.
If interest is charged, it’s usually at a small rate – for example, 3% above the Bank of England base rate. It can only apply to the unpaid rent, not to other costs like repairs or admin fees.
If you’re unsure, check your tenancy agreement or speak to a housing adviser. If your landlord is adding unfair charges or interest you didn’t agree to, you may have the right to challenge it.
Does rent arrears affect your credit score?
Not always – but it can.
Most landlords don’t report missed rent to credit reference agencies. However, if your landlord takes you to court over unpaid rent and you receive a County Court Judgment (CCJ), it will show on your credit report.
A CCJ can stay on your credit file for six years and may affect your ability to:
- Get a loan or credit card
- Rent another property
- Pass some financial background checks
In some cases, if you use a rent payment service that reports to credit agencies, your rental history – good or bad – could appear on your credit report. That’s why it’s always best to deal with arrears early before things escalate.
What to do if you can’t afford rent?
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, the most important thing is to act quickly. The sooner you get help, the more options you’ll have.
1. Talk to your landlord
Be honest about your situation. They may agree to a payment plan where you pay a bit extra each month until you catch up.
2. Check if you can claim housing support
You might be able to get help through:
- Universal Credit (which includes housing costs)
- Housing Benefit (if you’re eligible)
- A Discretionary Housing Payment from your council
3. Review your finances
Look at your income and spending to see what changes you can make. Even small savings can help. Make sure rent is your top priority.
4. Get debt advice
If rent is just one part of a bigger money problem, speak to a debt advisor. At MoneyPlus, we can help you understand your options and explore solutions like Debt Management Plans (DMPs) or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). These can reduce other payments so you can focus on essentials like rent.
Can rent arrears be written off?
In some situations, yes – but it depends on the circumstances.
Rent arrears might be written off if:
- You enter an IVA or go bankrupt – these solutions can include rent arrears from before they start
- A court decides your landlord hasn’t followed the proper legal process
- Your landlord agrees to write off the debt (this is rare)
Even if arrears are written off, it might still affect your future ability to rent, especially if you’ve been taken to court or evicted.
Getting help with other debts can make it easier to keep up with your rent. For example, a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could reduce your monthly debt payments, helping free up money for essentials like your rent. You can also visit MoneyHelper for free, impartial advice on dealing with debt. Alternatively, if you’re worried about unsecured debts and how they’re affecting your ability to pay your rent, get in touch with us at MoneyPlus. We’ll listen to your situation and help you find the right debt management solution for your needs.
