Recover residential rent arrears
Whether a tenant has left owing money or a current tenant has stopped paying, residential arrears are recoverable — but the rules are stricter than for commercial debt, and the right approach depends on whether the tenancy is still running.
For a former tenant, the arrears are a straightforward civil debt: trace the debtor if needed, demand, then county court money claim if ignored — with six years to act in England and Wales. Many agencies combine tracing with collection, which matters because former tenants are the debtors most likely to have moved without a forwarding address.
For a current tenant, recovery sits alongside housing law: deposits are protected, and possession (Section 8 on arrears grounds, or Section 21 where available) is a separate legal process from the money itself. CRAR does not apply to residential lettings — a residential specialist knows where collection ends and possession proceedings begin.
Collect Compare shows you vetted agencies that take rent arrears cases — including former-tenant tracing — compared blind on fees and track record. Free for landlords; the agency pays for the introduction.
What to compare
- Former-tenant tracing capability, not just letter-writing
- Understanding of deposit rules and possession law boundaries
- Fee model that makes sense for typically smaller arrears balances
- Escalation to county court money claims when demands are ignored
See your options in about a minute
Describe the debt — or let AI fill the form in from a sentence — and compare vetted agencies side by side, free.
Common questions
Can I use a debt collection agency on a tenant who has left?
Yes — a former tenant’s arrears are an ordinary civil debt. Agencies that offer tracing can locate the tenant first, then pursue the arrears, escalating to a county court money claim if needed.
Can I take arrears from the deposit?
You can claim against a protected deposit at the end of the tenancy, but deposits rarely cover serious arrears. The shortfall is recoverable like any other debt — which is where an agency comes in.
Does CRAR apply to residential tenancies?
No — Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery is for commercial premises only. Residential arrears are recovered through demand, negotiation and, if necessary, a county court money claim.
How long do I have to chase former-tenant arrears?
Six years from when the rent fell due in England and Wales (five in Scotland). Tracing and recovery get harder with time, so most landlords instruct within months, not years.
General information, not legal advice. Statutory interest and compensation apply to qualifying commercial debts under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 — our free calculator works out what you can add, at the correct rate for your dates.