What happens if I miss rent?
Missing rent puts you at risk of eviction, but the process is not instant. Landlords must follow a strict legal deadline. The most common mistake tenants make is ignoring letters.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Late Payment
Your landlord will likely text or call. Check your contract for late fees (only allowing interest at 3% above base rate after 14 days).
Section 8 Notice
If you are persistently late, they can serve a 'Section 8' notice. For Ground 8 (mandatory possession), they usually need 2 months of arrears.
Mandatory Grounds
If you owe 2 full months of rent, the court MUST grant possession (Ground 8). The judge has no choice.
Possession Order
If you don't leave, they go to court. You get a date. If you don't attend or pay, the judge grants the order (usually 14 days to leave).
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Can you clear the debt in time? Simulate a repayment plan.
Arrears Repayment Calculator
Calculate a repayment offer the court is likely to accept
Payment Plan Needed
Is the notice paper even valid? Check for the 5 common mistakes.
Eviction Notice Validator
Check if your Section 21 or Section 8 notice is actually valid
Free money? Check if a Discretionary Housing Payment cover your arrears.
Can benefits pay my arrears?
If you are facing eviction, the council has a "Discretionary Housing Payment" (DHP) fund. It is used specifically to pay off rent arrears to stop homelessness.
Eligibility Quick Check:
- You receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Element
- You can't afford your rent
- You have a valid tenancy
Section 8 vs Section 21
Section 8 is for when you've done something wrong (like not paying rent). It is faster (2 weeks notice). Section 21 is 'No Fault'. They don't need a reason, but they must give 2 months notice and have protected your deposit correctly.
Can I stop the eviction?
If you can reduce the arrears below 2 months' worth before the court hearing, the 'Mandatory Ground 8' fails. The judge can then choose to let you stay (Discretionary).
Summary of Options
Breathing Space
Apply for 'Breathing Space'. This freezes all action (and contact) from creditors including landlords for 60 days while you get advice.
Discretionary Housing Payment
Ask your council for a DHP. This is emergency money to clear arrears if you are on Benefits/Universal Credit and face homelessness.
Pre-Action Protocol
Remind the landlord they must follow the 'Pre-Action Protocol'. They must try to agree a payment plan before court.
Common Questions
Can they change the locks?
NO. This is an illegal eviction (criminal offence). Only court bailiffs can physically remove you.
Do I have to pay late fees?
Only if they are in the contract. Since 2019, they can only charge interest at 3% above Bank of England base rate, and only after 14 days.
Will Universal Credit pay my arrears?
Sometimes. You can ask for an 'Alternative Payment Arrangement' (APA) to have rent paid directly to the landlord to rebuild trust.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in housing .
What happens if I receive a Section 21 notice?
A Section 21 'No Fault' notice is the start of a long legal process, not the end of your tenancy. You do not have to leave on the notice date, and many notices are legally invalid.
What happens if I stop paying my energy bills?
Stopping energy payments triggers a series of escalations from the supplier, including forced prepayment meters and potentially CCJs. However, there are strict protections for vulnerable people.
What happens if my landlord sells the property?
A landlord selling does NOT mean you have to leave immediately. You often have the right to stay as a 'Sitting Tenant' until your contract ends.