We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).
woman paying at checkout

Facing eviction for rent arrears?

Free, online debt advice available now

Get debt help

Eviction. What to do if you have rent arrears

Landlords can evict you if you do not pay rent arrears. Try to come to an arrangement with them as soon as possible.

The process to evict you for rent arrears depends on your tenancy type.

Social landlords usually have to take extra steps before starting court action, for example:


  • Helping you apply for housing benefit, and
  • Letting you get free debt advice from an organisation like us

Your landlord should always:


  • Tell you about any arrears
  • Give you a chance to pay them back
  • Help you come to an arrangement to pay them over time

They must usually give you written notice that they are ending your tenancy. This is often called:


  • A notice to quit or
  • A notice of seeking possession

Things to remember

  1. It is never too early or too late to contact your landlord and make a payment arrangement
  2. Rent arrears from a house you used to live in are not a 'priority debt'. They become an ‘unsecured debt’, like a credit card or personal loan
  3. Start paying even if your landlord refuses your offer of payment
  • Make your proposed arrears payment along with your normal rent payment
  • Send them a copy of your budget so they can see you are paying what you can afford

The eviction process

1. Your landlord starts court action

Your landlord can start court action to evict you if:


  • You do not pay back the arrears or
  • You do not leave the property by the date stated in the notice

When this happens, you get some court forms and a hearing date in your local court.

2. There is a court hearing

You should attend the court hearing if you want to stay in the property.

Any extra court fees can be added to your arrears.

There are a few things that could happen at the hearing.


  • The judge may allow you to stay in the property
  • The judge may give you a final date to leave
  • You may be able to ask the court to reconsider their decision

The court’s decision cannot be changed for some tenancy types.

3. Further action

Leave by the date the court gives you to avoid being physically removed from the home.

Some types of tenancy can be ended without court action.

Like when a lodger shares a house with their landlord.

Get specialist housing advice if:


  • You get any notice saying your tenancy is ending, or
  • You get any court forms relating to your tenancy

Need help with rent arrears or eviction?

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

Specialist housing advice

Housing advice can be complex. It is best to talk to someone who specialises in the area.

England or Scotland

Contact Shelter. They have a telephone helpline and a website full of useful information.

Wales

Contact Shelter Cymru.

Northern Ireland

Contact Shelter NI for help with rent arrears or eviction.

Contact your local authority if you are at risk of homelessness because of eviction.

Their housing department can advise you on applying for social housing or emergency accommodation.