Tenant left owing rent? A landlord's guide to recovering arrears
Few things sour a tenancy faster than mounting arrears — and few debts feel more personal to chase. Whether it’s a current tenant slipping behind or a former one who left owing money, you have real options. The key is knowing which route fits, and choosing help that actually understands tenancy debt.
Residential rent arrears
Chasing arrears from a residential tenant is different from a standard commercial debt — there are tenant protections and a process to follow, and heavy-handed tactics can land you in trouble. But the money is still owed.
- Current tenant: early, professional contact recovers a lot of arrears before they snowball. A calm, documented approach often works better than an ultimatum.
- Former tenant who left owing rent: the debt survives the tenancy. Tracing-and-collection specialists can locate them and pursue what’s owed.
Recovering arrears and seeking possession are two separate tracks — possession follows its own strict legal route, while the arrears can be pursued alongside or after it. Don’t assume getting the property back writes off the money.
Commercial rent arrears
Commercial landlords have more levers, and the sums are often larger. Depending on the lease and the situation, options can include pursuing the arrears through a debt collection agency and, where a judgment is obtained, enforcement. Commercial leases also frequently set their own interest on late rent, and statutory interest may apply to the business debt — worth checking before you write anything off.
Choosing the right help
Not every debt collection agency handles tenancy debt, and it’s not a place for a generalist. When you compare, look for:
- A rent-arrears specialism — residential and commercial arrears are distinct skills.
- The right approach for the stage — chasing a current tenant is a different job from tracing a former one.
- A fee model that suits the debt — see debt collection agency fees explained.
Know your numbers, then get help
Before you instruct anyone, be clear on exactly what’s owed — arrears, plus any interest or costs your agreement (or, for commercial debts, the law) allows. For commercial arrears, our late-payment calculator can help you quantify it.
Then find an agency that fits: compare vetted agencies that handle rent arrears side by side, or let us match you to the right specialist for your case — free, and impartial. And whatever you do, act promptly: the longer arrears sit, the harder they are to recover.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rent recovery and possession are governed by housing and tenancy law — a specialist will advise on the right approach for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a debt collection agency to recover rent arrears?
Yes. Once rent is genuinely overdue you can instruct a debt collection agency to pursue the arrears, including from a former tenant who has moved on. Choose one that specialises in rent arrears rather than a generalist, as tenancy debt has its own rules and sensitivities.
How do I recover rent from a tenant who has moved out?
The debt doesn't disappear when they leave. Agencies that handle rent arrears can trace a former tenant and pursue the money owed. As with any debt, act promptly — the older the arrears and the colder the trail, the harder recovery becomes.
Can I charge interest on late rent?
For commercial tenancies, the lease often sets an interest rate on late rent, and statutory interest may apply to the business debt. For residential tenancies, you can generally only charge interest or fees where the tenancy agreement clearly and fairly allows it.
Should I evict or pursue the arrears first?
They're separate questions. Possession is about getting the property back and follows a strict legal process; recovering the arrears is about getting the money, and can be pursued during or after the tenancy. A specialist can help you understand the right order for your situation.