You have three main options: demand payment, evict for rent arrears, or claim the money through court. Here's how each works.
Choose based on your priority: recovering the money, regaining the property, or both.
Send a formal rent demand letter giving 14 days to pay. Often resolves issues without legal action.
Serve a Section 8 notice using rent arrears grounds. Only 2 weeks notice for Ground 8.
File a county court claim through MCOL to recover unpaid rent. Can pursue even after tenant leaves.
Pro tip: You can pursue eviction AND a money claim simultaneously. Many landlords evict first, then claim arrears plus any damage costs once the tenant has left.
For rent arrears, you'll typically use one or more of these grounds. We recommend citing all applicable grounds for maximum protection.
At least 2 months' rent arrears when notice served AND at the court hearing.
Some rent lawfully due is unpaid when notice served AND proceedings begun.
Tenant has persistently delayed paying rent, even if no arrears currently exist.
Cite all three grounds (8, 10, and 11) on your Section 8 notice. If the tenant pays down arrears below 2 months before the hearing, you lose Ground 8 but can still proceed with Grounds 10 and 11.
Our Complete Eviction Pack includes Section 8 notices with all rent arrears grounds, plus court forms if the tenant won't leave.
Before taking action, calculate exactly how much is owed including any interest you can claim.
Enter your rent amount, payment dates, and we'll calculate total arrears with statutory interest. Use this for your Section 8 notice or money claim.
Calculate Arrears FreeFor mandatory Ground 8 (Section 8), the tenant must owe at least 2 months rent at the time of serving the notice AND at the court hearing. For discretionary Ground 10, any amount of arrears may be sufficient, though courts consider whether eviction is reasonable.
You can do both. Serve a Section 8 notice to regain possession, then file a separate money claim for the arrears. Many landlords do this in parallel. If the tenant has moved out, a money claim through MCOL is often the best option.
Ground 8 (2+ months arrears) and Ground 10/11 require only 2 weeks notice - significantly faster than Section 21's 2 month notice. This makes Section 8 attractive for serious rent arrears cases.
If arrears drop below 2 months before the hearing, you lose the mandatory Ground 8. However, you can still proceed with discretionary Ground 10/11. This is why we recommend citing multiple grounds on your notice.
You'll need: the tenancy agreement showing rent amount and due date, a rent schedule showing payments and arrears, bank statements showing missed payments, and any correspondence with the tenant about the debt.
Yes, if your tenancy agreement includes an interest clause. If not, you can claim statutory interest (8% + Bank of England base rate) when making a court claim. Our rent arrears calculator includes interest calculations.
A formal letter demanding payment of overdue rent, typically giving 14 days to pay. While not legally required before eviction, it documents your attempts to resolve the issue and can be useful evidence in court.
Yes, you can request Alternative Payment Arrangements (APA) if the tenant is 2+ months in arrears, has a history of arrears, or is likely to have difficulty managing their finances. Contact the UC helpline to request this.
Our Notice Only Pack includes both Section 21 and Section 8 notices, designed for court acceptance.
Section 8 notice with Ground 8, 10 & 11. AI compliance checking. Court-ready format.
Section 21 & 8 Included • AI Compliance Check • Designed for Court Acceptance
For general information only. This page provides educational content about UK landlord law and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified solicitor.