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Rent arrears repayment plans

A written plan you can keep to is the strongest thing you can bring to a landlord, or to a judge. Here is how to build one.

Applies to: England

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction EnglandEditorial policy
A rent arrears repayment plan is an agreement to pay your normal rent plus a regular amount towards what you owe. Base the offer on a realistic budget, make it in writing and keep proof of every payment. For private tenants in England, getting the arrears below three months’ rent before any hearing means the judge has discretion, rather than having to order possession.

What to do now

  1. Work out what you can afford with the budget calculator.
  2. Check every benefit you could claim — benefits and grants check.
  3. Send your offer with the repayment offer letter and keep a copy.

This page covers renting in England. Private tenancies moved to the Renters’ Rights Act rules on 1 May 2026. Housing association assured tenancies stay on the older rules until October 2027, and council secure tenancies are not covered by the reforms. Wales has its own system under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 — see Wales; for Scotland and Northern Ireland see Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Building the offer

  1. Put your full rent first. A plan that leaves the rent short makes the arrears grow.
  2. Cover your other priority bills, such as council tax and energy.
  3. Offer a regular amount towards the arrears from what is left, even if it is small.
  4. Explain what caused the arrears and what has changed.
  5. Pay by a method that leaves a record, such as a standing order.

What to put in writing

Give the amount, how often you will pay, the start date and how you will pay. Ask the landlord or agent to confirm in writing. If the landlord refuses, keep paying what you offered: a record of reasonable offers and payments matters if the case reaches court, because on the discretionary grounds the judge weighs what you have done.

Universal Credit and your landlord

  • Managed payment. Your landlord can ask for the housing costs in your Universal Credit to be paid straight to them. This covers ongoing rent.
  • Arrears deduction. The landlord can also ask for a deduction towards the arrears, usually between 10% and 20% of your standard allowance. You get seven days to object, for example if you owe less than two months’ rent or there is a repairs dispute.
  • The overall limit. Total deductions for debts are normally capped at 15% of the standard allowance, though more can be taken as a last resort to prevent eviction.

Housing Payments from the council

In England, councils now make Housing Payments through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced Discretionary Housing Payments in April 2026. They can help with a rent shortfall or arrears, usually if you get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. Ask your council — find your council.

Why timing matters

For private tenants, Ground 8 needs at least three months’ rent owed (13 weeks if paid weekly or fortnightly) both when the notice was served and at the hearing. Bringing the arrears below that line by the hearing date means possession is no longer automatic. Housing association tenants stay on the older two-month threshold until October 2027.

Breathing Space

A free debt adviser can start a Breathing Space, which pauses most enforcement over the arrears for 60 days. You must keep paying your ongoing rent during it.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

How much should I offer to pay off rent arrears?

Offer your full rent plus a regular amount you can keep up after essentials and other priority bills. A smaller amount you can keep to is better than a larger one that fails.

Can my landlord refuse a repayment plan?

Yes, a landlord does not have to agree. Keep paying what you offered and keep records, because a judge deciding a discretionary ground will look at your offers and payments.

Can Universal Credit pay my landlord directly?

Yes. Your landlord can ask for a managed payment of your housing costs, and can also ask for a deduction from your Universal Credit towards the arrears.

Rent arrearsPossession ordersRepayment offer letterBudget calculatorBreathing Space
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