Tenant Not Paying Rent?Tenant Not Paying Rent?
You have three main options: demand payment, evict for rent arrears, or claim the money through court. Here's how each works.
Need help choosing your next step?
Pick the route that matches your situation now.
Serve a notice
- Best if you need a valid Section 21 or Section 8 notice.
- You want compliant drafting and service evidence.
Full eviction pack
- Best if the tenant is still in the property.
- Includes notice, possession paperwork, and next-step guidance.
Recover money owed
- Best if you are focused on arrears or damage recovery.
- Ideal when the tenant has left but owes rent.
Tenant still in property
Use possession-focused support to serve Section 8 correctly and progress to court if needed.
Go to complete-pack →Also see Section 8 notice template.
Tenant has left owing money
Focus on debt recovery with a money claim and evidence-ready arrears schedule.
Go to money-claim →Your Three Options for Rent Arrears
Choose the right eviction notice for your region based on your circumstances—recovering the money, regaining the property, or both.
1. Demand Payment
Send a formal rent demand letter giving 14 days to pay. Often resolves issues without legal action.
- Fastest option
- No court fees
- Maintains relationship
2. Evict for Arrears
Serve a Section 8 notice using rent arrears grounds. Only 2 weeks notice for Ground 8.
- 2 weeks notice (Ground 8)
- Mandatory possession
- Works after May 2026
3. Claim the Money
File a county court claim through MCOL to recover unpaid rent. Can pursue even after tenant leaves.
- Recover full arrears
- Add interest & fees
- CCJ if unpaid
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.
Need the quickest route for your exact scenario?
Choose full eviction support if possession is the priority, or money claim if recovery is the goal.
Section 8 Grounds for Rent Arrears
For rent arrears, you'll typically use one or more of these grounds. We recommend citing all applicable grounds for maximum protection.
Ground 8 — Mandatory
Court Must GrantAt least 2 months' rent arrears when notice served AND at the court hearing.
Ground 10 — Discretionary
Court May GrantSome rent lawfully due is unpaid when notice served AND proceedings begun.
Ground 11 — Discretionary
Court May GrantTenant has persistently delayed paying rent, even if no arrears currently exist.
Our Recommendation
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.
Need to Evict AND Claim the Money?
Our Complete Eviction Pack includes Section 8 notices with all rent arrears grounds, plus court forms if the tenant won't leave.
Calculate Your Total Arrears
Before taking action, calculate exactly how much is owed including any interest you can claim.
Free Rent Arrears Calculator
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 FreeTenant Left Without Paying? Claim Your Money Back
If your tenant has already moved out but still owes rent, a Money Claim through the county court is often the best route. You can claim the full arrears plus 8% statutory interest.
- AI-drafted Particulars of Claim
- PAP-DEBT compliant Letter Before Action
- Interest calculation included
- Enforcement guidance if they don't pay
Tenant Not Paying Rent: FAQ
Get Your Rent Arrears Documents Now
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.