Provide your tenant with this rent demand letter when, for the first time, they've missed paying rent on the due date. This straightforward notice enables you to request immediate payment of the outstanding rent from your tenant. With this rent demand letter you can also request that all future rent payments are made in full on the due date.
Overview of the Rent demand letter
When should I use a rent demand letter?
Use this rent demand letter or rent arrears letter when:
- your tenant has not paid the rent
- the rent remains overdue
- you have not requested immediate payment of the overdue rent
What's included in a rent demand letter?
This rent demand letter covers:
- the amount of the unpaid rent
- the date the rent was due
- requests for immediate payment by the tenant
What's a rent demand letter?
A rent demand letter is a letter requesting immediate payment of the outstanding rent from a tenant. It notifies the tenant of their failure to pay rent, and it is the first step to recover overdue rent.
Do I need a rent demand letter?
Issuing a demand for rent serves a reminder to the tenant that rent is due, and warns them that further failure to pay may lead to eviction. Communicating with your tenant by sending them a letter may be enough to solve the issue and avoid eviction. It is also a valuable document in case of further legal action.
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. However, a slight delay in paying rent can sometimes happen, so the first rent demand letter should reasonably be sent on the 7th day of arrears.
How much notice should I give the tenant?
The letter should indicate that payment must be made immediately. This will help you deal with rent arrears quickly and efficiently.
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.
What processes should be followed if rent remains unpaid after issuing the arrears demand letter?
If after sending a first letter to your tenant, rent remains overdue and unpaid, you can serve them a final rent demand letter to request immediate payment of the outstanding rent. The next step is to serve your tenant with a notice for repossessing property, by issuing an eviction notice.
Are there are reasons why outstanding rent may not be claimed?
If the tenant refuses to respond to the rend 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 which 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 ignored previous requests to pay the overdue rent
- a tenant who has informed you that they cannot pay the rent
- advice to end the tenant's occupation of the property
This rent demand letter is governed by the law of England and Wales.