Rent Arrears Calculator

A landlord can serve a Section 8 notice and seek mandatory possession (Ground 8) when a tenant is at least 8 weeks (2 months) behind on rent at both the date of the notice and the court hearing. For discretionary grounds, the court considers the amount owed and the tenant's circumstances. Courts may suspend possession orders if the tenant can pay current rent plus arrears.

Technically yes, but it is unlikely. A landlord can use discretionary grounds (Grounds 10 or 11) for any amount of arrears, but courts rarely grant possession for small amounts. The landlord must also follow proper notice procedures and attend a court hearing. If you can show you are making efforts to pay, the court will usually give you time.

A suspended possession order means the court grants possession but suspends enforcement as long as you pay current rent plus an agreed amount toward arrears. If you keep up payments, you stay in your home. If you fall behind, the landlord can apply for a warrant of eviction without another hearing. It is a second chance that most courts prefer to immediate eviction.

Rent arrears alone do not appear on your credit file. However, if the landlord obtains a County Court Judgment (CCJ) for the arrears, that will appear on your credit file for 6 years and significantly damage your credit score. If the arrears lead to bankruptcy or a DRO, that also appears. Paying a CCJ within 30 days means it is removed from your credit file.

Options include: Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) from your council, Universal Credit housing element advances, local welfare assistance schemes, rent deposit/guarantee schemes, and negotiating a repayment plan with your landlord. Contact Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice for free help. Some councils have Homelessness Prevention Funds specifically for rent arrears.