Rent Arrears Repayment Plan Offer
Formal letter to a landlord proposing a structured repayment schedule for rent arrears to avoid eviction 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 when you are in rent arrears and wish to propose a formal repayment plan before your landlord issues possession proceedings. Courts expect both parties to negotiate in good faith before litigation. A written repayment proposal, even if not accepted, demonstrates your good faith and may support a defence or suspension application if proceedings are issued.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use if possession proceedings have already been issued and a hearing has been listed — you need to attend the hearing and may also need legal advice. Do not use if you dispute that the arrears are owed — in that case, write a letter disputing the amount first. Do not use as a substitute for seeking emergency financial assistance from the local authority or a debt charity.
Legal Basis
Pre-action conduct is governed by the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims based on Rent Arrears (social housing) and the overriding objective of the CPR (proportionality and cooperation). For assured shorthold tenancies, possession under Ground 8 Housing Act 1988 (mandatory) requires at least two months' arrears; Grounds 10 and 11 (discretionary) allow the court to consider repayment plans. Courts may adjourn or suspend a possession order where the tenant proposes a credible repayment plan (Housing Act 1985 s.85; Housing Act 1988 s.9).
Before you send
- Proposing a repayment amount you cannot realistically maintain — courts and landlords will see through unaffordable plans
- Not explaining why the arrears arose — context can support goodwill and a favourable response
- Failing to maintain the ongoing rent throughout the repayment period — continuing arrears will undermine any plan
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Proposing a repayment amount you cannot realistically maintain — courts and landlords will see through unaffordable plans
- ✗Not explaining why the arrears arose — context can support goodwill and a favourable response
- ✗Failing to maintain the ongoing rent throughout the repayment period — continuing arrears will undermine any plan
- ✗Not requesting written confirmation — verbal agreements about arrears are difficult to enforce
- ✗Ignoring the letter if the landlord rejects the plan — seek housing advice immediately
Build Your Letter
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS (THE RENTED PROPERTY)] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] [LANDLORD'S FULL NAME OR MANAGEMENT COMPANY] [LANDLORD'S ADDRESS] --- Dear [SALUTATION (E.G. MR SMITH / SIR OR MADAM)], **Re: Tenancy at [FULL ADDRESS OF THE RENTED PROPERTY] — Proposed Rent Arrears Repayment Plan** I am writing in connection with the tenancy of the above property. I acknowledge that I am currently in arrears with my rent in the sum of **£[TOTAL RENT ARREARS (£)]** (as at **[DATE ARREARS CALCULATED TO]**). I sincerely apologise for this situation, which has arisen because: [REASON ARREARS AROSE]. **My Current Situation** My current income is: [CURRENT INCOME DETAILS]. I have taken the following steps to address my financial situation: [STEPS TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION]. **Proposed Repayment Schedule** I am writing to propose a formal repayment schedule to clear the arrears, in addition to paying my ongoing rent in full and on time. My proposal is as follows: - **Ongoing rent:** £[MONTHLY RENT AMOUNT (£)] per month, to be paid on the **[DAY OF MONTH RENT IS DUE]** of each month as usual. - **Arrears repayment:** £[MONTHLY ARREARS REPAYMENT AMOUNT (£)] per month, to be paid on the **[DAY OF MONTH ARREARS REPAYMENT IS DUE]** of each month, commencing **[DATE OF FIRST ARREARS REPAYMENT]**. - **Final arrears payment date:** approximately **[ESTIMATED DATE OF FINAL ARREARS PAYMENT]**. Under this plan, the arrears of **£[TOTAL RENT ARREARS (£)]** would be cleared in approximately **[NUMBER OF MONTHS TO CLEAR ARREARS]** months. **Request for Written Confirmation** I ask you to consider this proposal and to confirm your agreement in writing. I am willing to discuss the terms further if there are any aspects of this plan that do not meet with your approval. I would ask that, while this repayment plan is being discussed and, if agreed, while I am complying with its terms, you refrain from issuing possession proceedings. I note that the courts expect landlords to engage in pre-action steps before commencing possession proceedings. Please respond by **[DEADLINE FOR LANDLORD'S RESPONSE]**. If I do not hear from you, I will seek further advice from a housing adviser. 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.