Late rent notices
Late rent notices are the written reminders and formal warnings you send when rent is overdue. They are not the same as an eviction notice. Done well, they protect cashflow, create a paper trail for housing disputes, and give the tenant a clear route to catch up before matters escalate.
Start with a simple, factual message as soon as a payment is missed, including what’s due, what’s outstanding, and how to pay. Keep it professional and in written notice form (email or message if your tenancy agreement allows) and keep copies. If the tenant is struggling, offer a short repayment plan and confirm it in writing.
If arrears continue, your later notices should become more structured: a statement of account, deadlines, and a warning that you may serve a Section 8 notice if the arrears are not cleared. In England, landlords typically rely on rent-related grounds for possession: Ground 8 (serious arrears), Ground 10 (some arrears), and Ground 11 (persistent late payment).
Be careful about timing and legal constraints. A government guide on serving possession notices notes that where you’ve served notice on rent arrears grounds, you cannot start court proceedings while the tenant is in a breathing space debt respite, and the “lifespan” of the notice can be affected.
The Renters’ Rights Act changes the escalation backdrop from 1 May 2026 in England. Section 21 notice is abolished, so if late rent becomes a serious problem you will be relying on Section 8 notice and the rent arrears grounds. Shelter’s professional update says the notice period for the main rent arrears grounds will increase for example, from two weeks to four weeks.
Finally, avoid turning rent chasing into harassment. Stick to reasonable contact, don’t threaten unlawful action, and keep everything calm and documented. The goal is always the same, to get the rent paid, keep the tenancy stable where possible, and preserve your evidence if you need to escalate.
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