What happens if I miss a rent payment?
Falling behind on rent can feel daunting, especially when prices keep climbing and wages often don’t. If you’ve had a missed rent payment in the UK, you might be wondering what happens next, what your rights are, and how to avoid things getting worse. This guide offers clear, non-judgmental help on what to do if you’ve missed a rent payment and where to turn for support.
Missed a rent payment? Don’t panic, act fast
Missing a rent payment can happen for lots of reasons – an unexpected bill, a delay in benefits, or a drop in income. Whatever the cause, the most important thing to do is act quickly.
Here’s what you should do straight away:
- Check how much you owe and when it was due.
- Read your tenancy agreement to understand any clauses about late rent.
- Contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
Being upfront with your landlord is often the best way to stop things escalating. Many landlords would rather work with you to resolve the issue than start formal proceedings.
Will I get evicted for one missed rent payment?
In most cases, no – not for one missed payment. A single missed rent payment isn’t usually enough for a landlord to evict you immediately, but it can become a bigger issue if not dealt with.
If you’re one month behind, your landlord might simply remind you to pay. However, once you reach two months’ rent arrears (or eight weeks if you pay weekly), they may begin formal eviction proceedings using a Section 8 notice. This is a legal route that allows landlords to evict tenants for breaking the terms of their tenancy, including not paying rent.
That said, eviction is a process, not an event. It involves notice periods, possible court action, and time to respond. You still have rights, and there are several opportunities to stop it going that far.
What are your rights if you’re behind on rent?
In the UK, renters have legal protections. Your landlord must follow the correct process if they want to evict you. That includes:
- Serving a valid notice (such as a Section 8 or Section 21)
- Applying to the court if you don’t leave voluntarily
- Gaining a possession order from the court
- Using court bailiffs if necessary.
At each stage, you can present your case and potentially reach a resolution, such as agreeing a repayment plan. It’s also worth knowing that you can’t legally be evicted without a court order, and landlords must not harass or force you out.
How to catch up on rent arrears: first steps
The first step is always communication. Speak to your landlord and explain your situation. Offer a repayment plan if you can, for example, paying your usual rent plus an agreed extra amount each month until the arrears are cleared.
Next, look at ways to boost your income or reduce outgoings:
- Check if you can claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
- Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment from your local council
- Rework your budget to prioritise rent.
If missed rent isn’t a one-off, and you’re finding it hard to keep up every month, it could be a sign of wider financial pressure. Rent is a priority payment, meaning it should come before things like credit cards or overdrafts.
In this case, professional debt advice can help. At MoneyPlus, we’ll help you assess your finances and explore debt solutions that could free up money to keep on top of your rent.
What about your credit score?
A missed rent payment in the UK won’t automatically impact your credit score. It’s not required for landlords to report payment information to credit reference agencies.
But if your landlord takes legal action and gets a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you, it will appear on your credit file for six years. This can affect your ability to:
- Get credit or loans
- Rent from other landlords
- Pass financial background checks.
That’s why early action matters. Avoiding arrears is easier than dealing with the fallout of court action.
Can rent arrears be written off?
In some circumstances, yes – but it’s rare and often depends on your financial situation or legal agreements in place.
Here are the main scenarios where rent arrears might be written off:
- If you enter a formal debt solution
A debt solution such as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or bankruptcy may include rent arrears that were owed before the date of the bankruptcy order or start of the arrangement.
- If your landlord agrees to waive the arrears
This is highly unusual but not impossible. For example, if you’re moving out and the landlord decides not to pursue the debt for personal or financial reasons, they may choose to write it off.
- If your landlord hasn’t followed proper legal procedures
A court could decide in your favour and reduce or cancel the arrears as part of a legal dispute, such as failure by your landlord to serve the correct notice or protect your deposit.
It’s important to remember that even if rent arrears are written off in a legal or formal way, it could still affect your future housing options. Landlords may check your rental history, and court action could impact your credit report.
Need more support? You’re not alone
It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling, but rent arrears are increasingly common. Life can be unpredictable, and many people find themselves in arrears through no fault of their own. For free, impartial advice, you can contact MoneyHelper.
Alternatively, at MoneyPlus, we offer confidential, non-judgmental advice to help you make a manageable budget that works for you. We’ll look at your income, expenses and debts to build a plan that supports your priorities, including your rent.
Don’t wait until things escalate. Contact a MoneyPlus adviser to talk through your situation and take your first step towards sorting things out.
