I Am Behind on My Rent
Falling behind on rent is stressful, but acting quickly can help you avoid eviction and find a way forward. Here is what to do.
Estimated timeline
Work out exactly what you owe
Check your tenancy agreement for the rent amount and payment dates. Work out exactly how much you are behind and for how many weeks or months. Check if your landlord has applied any charges — note that under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, late payment fees can only be charged after 14 days and must not exceed 3% above the Bank of England base rate.
Contact your landlord or letting agent
Let your landlord know as soon as possible. Many landlords prefer to find a solution rather than go through the eviction process, which is expensive and slow. Propose a realistic repayment plan — even small regular payments show good faith.
You may be able to get help through Universal Credit (housing costs element), Discretionary Housing Payments from your council, or the Household Support Fund. Contact your local council and Citizens Advice to check what is available.
Contact Shelter, Citizens Advice, or your local council's housing team for free advice. They can help you negotiate with your landlord, check if you qualify for financial help, and advise on your legal rights. Do not ignore the situation — early action gives you the most options.
Your landlord cannot just change the locks or throw you out. They must follow a legal process. For rent arrears, they would typically use a Section 8 notice. You have the right to stay until a court orders you to leave. If your landlord tries to evict you without a court order, this is illegal eviction.
Official bodies and resources
Shelter
CharityA housing charity providing advice and support for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
Citizens Advice
CharityProvides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.
Related guides
Rent Arrears: What to Do
Falling behind on rent is a serious situation, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and, in many cases, avoid eviction. Acting quickly — contacting your landlord, seeking benefits advice, and getting help from a debt charity — makes a significant difference to the outcome.
6 min read
Eviction Notice Basics
Receiving an eviction notice is alarming, but it is important to know that a notice alone does not mean you have to leave immediately. Landlords must follow a strict legal process — including obtaining a court possession order — before they can lawfully evict you. Many notices are defective and can be challenged.
7 min read
Homelessness Support in the UK
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless within 56 days, you have legal rights to housing assistance from your local council under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. You do not need to wait until you are sleeping on the street — councils have a duty to help from the point of threat.
7 min read
Cost of Living Support
After the peak of the cost of living crisis in 2022–23, some targeted support schemes remain in place for people on low incomes or means-tested benefits. This guide sets out what is still available in 2024–25, including the Household Support Fund, Warm Home Discount, Pension Credit top-ups, and other targeted help.
8 min
Disclaimer