Provide your tenant with this final rent demand letter when they still haven't paid the rent, after a first notice. This straightforward notice enables you to request immediate payment of the outstanding rent from your tenant. With this final rent demand letter, you can also request that all future rent payments be made in full on the due date.
How to make a Final rent demand letter
When should I use a final rent demand letter?
Use this final rent demand letter:
- if the tenant has not paid the rent
- if the property is let on a residential tenancy (assured shorthold)
- if you have already sent a rent demand letter and you requested immediate payment of the overdue rent
- if the rent remains overdue and unpaid
What's included in a final rent demand letter?
This second rent demand letter covers:
- the final request for payment of the outstanding rent
- informs the tenant that you will now be issuing a section 21 notice to obtain possession
What's a final rent demand letter?
A final rent demand letter is a final request for immediate payment of the outstanding rent after sending a first notice. It notifies the tenant that they are still in arrears and that the landlord will now issue a notice to repossess the property. It is the last step to recover overdue rent in an amicable way.
Do I need a final rent demand letter?
Issuing a final demand for rent serves as a last reminder to the tenant that rent is due, and informs them that they'll be evicted from the property if rent is not paid immediately. Communicating with your tenant by sending them a letter may be enough to solve the issue and avoid eviction.
When is rent considered overdue?
Rent is considered overdue as soon as a tenant has not paid the rent on the date specified in their tenancy agreement.
How much notice should the letter give the tenant?
The letter should indicate that payment must be made immediately.
What's the next step if rent remains unpaid after issuing the letter?
If rent remains overdue after sending a final rent demand letter, the next step is to serve your tenant with a notice for repossessing property, by issuing an Eviction notice.
Can an agent serve the letter on the landlord's behalf?
Yes, if the tenancy agreement is signed through an agency, a rent arrears letter can be issued by the agent on the landlord's behalf.
Are there reasons why outstanding rent may not be claimed?
If the tenant refuses to respond to the rent demand letter, the landlord may need to take the matter to court. It will then be up to the court to determine if a landlord is entitled to claim rent arrears.
Factors that will work against a landlord in court may be if they:
- acted dishonestly or unscrupulous (eg if they have been aggressive during the demand and/or eviction process)
- are partly responsible for the rent arrears (eg if the property was in disrepair or if the landlord failed to carry out any repair works they are responsible for or requested by the tenant)
- did not attempt to settle the dispute informally first (eg via demand letter or mediation)
Further advice
Ask a lawyer for:
- a tenant who has informed you that they cannot pay the rent
- advice to end the tenant's occupation of the property
This final rent demand letter is governed by the law of England and Wales or Scotland.