What to Do if Your Tenant Isn’t Paying Rent – and How Mannleys Sales & Lettings Can Help
It’s every landlord’s worst nightmare – a tenant who stops paying rent. Missed payments can quickly impact your cash flow, create stress, and, if not handled correctly, lead to lengthy disputes.
Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to protect yourself, and an experienced managing agent like Mannleys Sales & Lettings can make the process much smoother.
Step 1: Act Quickly but Calmly
The sooner you address unpaid rent, the better. Contact your tenant promptly to check if the arrears are due to a genuine oversight or a temporary difficulty. Keeping communication professional and documented is crucial.
How Mannleys helps: We handle all rent collection and arrears chasing on your behalf. Our experienced lettings team uses proven systems to keep communication clear and compliant – removing the stress from you.
Step 2: Issue a Formal Reminder
If informal reminders don’t work, issue a formal notice. This is often the first legal step in regaining control of the situation and showing the tenant you’re serious.
How Mannleys helps: We know exactly which notices to serve and when, ensuring full legal compliance and reducing the risk of mistakes that could delay proceedings.
Step 3: Review the Tenancy Agreement and Legal Options
Check your tenancy agreement for clauses relating to non-payment. You may need to consider serving a Section 8 or Section 21 notice, depending on circumstances.
How Mannleys helps: Our team stays up to date with the latest legislation, so you don’t have to. We’ll advise on the best course of action tailored to your situation.
Step 4: Consider Mediation or Repayment Plans
Sometimes, tenants fall into arrears through no fault of their own. Mediation or agreeing to a repayment plan can resolve matters without court action.
How Mannleys helps: We act as a neutral, professional third party to negotiate on your behalf – helping maintain good relations while safeguarding your income.
Step 5: Legal Action or Eviction
If all else fails, you may need to begin formal eviction proceedings. This can be a complex and time-consuming process if done incorrectly.
How Mannleys helps: We can coordinate with trusted legal partners and ensure everything is done properly and efficiently, minimising your risk and downtime.
Why Choose Mannleys Sales & Lettings?
Managing a rental property is more than just collecting rent – it’s about protecting your investment.
With Mannleys Sales & Lettings as your managing agent, you’ll benefit from:
Proactive rent collection and arrears management
Expert knowledge of lettings law and regulations
Professional handling of tenant communications and notices
Access to trusted legal partners when required
Peace of mind knowing your investment is in safe hands
Don’t wait until a problem arises to get professional support. If you’d like to discuss how Mannleys can take the stress out of managing your rental property, contact our lettings team today.