Rent Arrears Mitigation Letter — Repayment Plan Proposal
A letter from a tenant to a landlord proposing a structured repayment plan for rent arrears, with the aim of avoiding possession proceedings.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Use this letter as soon as you are aware that you are behind on rent and cannot pay the full arrears immediately. Proposing a realistic repayment plan before the landlord issues possession proceedings demonstrates good faith and may persuade the landlord not to proceed. Courts also take into account whether a tenant has made genuine attempts to address arrears when deciding whether to make a possession order or suspend one.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use this letter to propose a plan you cannot realistically afford — an unmet plan will make things worse. If possession proceedings have already been issued and a hearing is imminent, attend the hearing in person and speak to the duty housing advisor at court. This letter is not a substitute for seeking debt or housing advice.
Legal Basis
Housing Act 1988 s.8 and Schedule 2 Ground 8 (mandatory possession for rent arrears of 2+ months); Grounds 10 and 11 (discretionary grounds for arrears and persistent late payment); Civil Procedure Rules Practice Direction 55 (possession proceedings); courts may suspend a possession order under s.9 HA 1988 where a tenant is likely to comply with a repayment plan.
Before you send
- Proposing a repayment figure that is so low the landlord will reject it out of hand — it must be meaningful alongside the current rent
- Not setting out your financial circumstances clearly enough to justify the plan offered
- Sending the letter without also paying something immediately to show good faith
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Proposing a repayment figure that is so low the landlord will reject it out of hand — it must be meaningful alongside the current rent
- ✗Not setting out your financial circumstances clearly enough to justify the plan offered
- ✗Sending the letter without also paying something immediately to show good faith
- ✗Failing to acknowledge the full arrears amount — disputes about the figure delay resolution
- ✗Not keeping proof that the letter was sent (use recorded delivery or email with read receipt)
Build Your Letter
Fill in your details
Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.
Optional fields
Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS (THE RENTED PROPERTY)] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] [LANDLORD'S NAME] [LANDLORD'S ADDRESS] --- Dear [LANDLORD'S NAME], **Re: [ADDRESS OF RENTED PROPERTY] — Rent Arrears and Proposed Repayment Plan** I am writing to you regarding the rent arrears that have accrued on the above property. I acknowledge that as at [DATE ARREARS CALCULATED TO], the total arrears stand at approximately £[TOTAL ARREARS AMOUNT (£)]. I am deeply sorry for the situation that has arisen and I want to address it promptly and responsibly. **Explanation for the Arrears** The arrears have arisen as a result of [REASON FOR ARREARS]. This situation began on approximately [DATE THE PROBLEM STARTED]. I can confirm that [YOUR CURRENT SITUATION AND ABILITY TO PAY] and I am committed to clearing the outstanding balance as quickly as my financial circumstances allow. **Proposed Repayment Plan** I propose the following repayment arrangement: - Current rent: £[MONTHLY RENT (£)] per month, which I will pay in full and on time going forward from [DATE NEXT FULL RENT PAYMENT DUE]. - Additional monthly repayment toward arrears: £[ADDITIONAL MONTHLY PAYMENT TOWARD ARREARS (£)] per month, payable on the [DAY OF MONTH FOR ARREARS PAYMENT] of each month, commencing [DATE OF FIRST ARREARS REPAYMENT]. - Estimated date for full clearance of arrears at this rate: [ESTIMATED DATE ARREARS WILL BE CLEARED]. As a gesture of good faith, I enclose / have transferred £[IMMEDIATE PAYMENT ENCLOSED TODAY (£)] today, which I ask you to apply to the arrears. **My Request** I respectfully ask you not to commence possession proceedings against me while I am complying with this repayment plan. I understand that you are entitled to take legal action, but I ask you to give me the opportunity to demonstrate that I can meet the plan before taking that step. I am willing to enter into a formal written agreement recording these arrangements if that would give you greater comfort. I am also happy to speak with you or your agent by telephone to discuss this further. Please confirm in writing whether you accept this proposal. I can be reached at [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] or [YOUR PHONE NUMBER]. I look forward to resolving this matter. Yours sincerely, [YOUR FULL NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.