When should I use a rent arrears repayment plan letter?

You should use this letter if you are in rent arrears and want to propose a structured repayment plan before your landlord starts eviction proceedings. It helps demonstrate good faith, which courts expect before litigation. However, do not use it if possession proceedings have already been issued and a hearing is listed, or if you dispute the amount owed. In those cases, you need to attend the hearing or write a dispute letter first.

What information do I need to include in the repayment proposal?

The letter should clearly state the total arrears amount and the date it was calculated. You must explain why the arrears occurred, as context can support goodwill. Include your current income details and any steps you have taken to improve your financial situation. Finally, propose a specific monthly repayment amount for the arrears, separate from your ongoing rent, and request written confirmation from the landlord.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when proposing a repayment plan?

You should not propose a repayment amount you cannot realistically maintain, as courts and landlords will view unaffordable plans negatively. Do not fail to explain why the arrears arose, as this context is important. Ensure you continue paying your ongoing rent in full during the repayment period, as further arrears will undermine the plan. Always request written confirmation of any agreement, as verbal agreements are difficult to enforce.

What legal rules apply to rent arrears and possession claims?

The letter references the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims based on Rent Arrears for social housing and the Civil Procedure Rules' overriding objective. For assured shorthold tenancies, it mentions Ground 8 of the Housing Act 1988, which requires at least two months' arrears for mandatory possession. Grounds 10 and 11 are discretionary, allowing courts to consider repayment plans. Courts may also suspend possession orders under specific Housing Act sections.

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Housing

Housing Law

Updated 2026-05-17

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

Fill in your details

Complete the fields below. Required fields are marked with *.

Your full name*

Your address (the rented property)*

Your email address*

Date of letter*

Landlord's full name or management company*

Landlord's address*

Salutation (e.g. Mr Smith / Sir or Madam)*

Full address of the rented property*

Total rent arrears (£)*

Date arrears calculated to*

Reason arrears arose*

Current income details*

Steps taken to address the situation*

Monthly rent amount (£)*

Day of month rent is due*

Monthly arrears repayment amount (£)*

Day of month arrears repayment is due*

Date of first arrears repayment*

Estimated date of final arrears payment*

Number of months to clear arrears*

Deadline for landlord's response*

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.

Related Rights

Housing Rights

Official Resources

Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims — Rent Arrears →Shelter — Rent Arrears Advice →Gov.uk — Discretionary Housing Payments →

Frequently asked questions

When should I use a rent arrears repayment plan letter?: You should use this letter if you are in rent arrears and want to propose a structured repayment plan before your landlord starts eviction proceedings. It helps demonstrate good faith, which courts expect before litigation. However, do not use it if possession proceedings have already been issued and a hearing is listed, or if you dispute the amount owed. In those cases, you need to attend the hearing or write a dispute letter first.
What information do I need to include in the repayment proposal?: The letter should clearly state the total arrears amount and the date it was calculated. You must explain why the arrears occurred, as context can support goodwill. Include your current income details and any steps you have taken to improve your financial situation. Finally, propose a specific monthly repayment amount for the arrears, separate from your ongoing rent, and request written confirmation from the landlord.
Can I ask my landlord to stop eviction proceedings while we discuss the plan?: Yes, the letter explicitly asks the landlord to refrain from issuing possession proceedings while the plan is being discussed and while you are complying with its terms. It notes that courts expect landlords to engage in pre-action steps before commencing proceedings. However, if the landlord rejects the plan or proceedings are already underway, you should seek housing advice immediately rather than ignoring the situation.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when proposing a repayment plan?: You should not propose a repayment amount you cannot realistically maintain, as courts and landlords will view unaffordable plans negatively. Do not fail to explain why the arrears arose, as this context is important. Ensure you continue paying your ongoing rent in full during the repayment period, as further arrears will undermine the plan. Always request written confirmation of any agreement, as verbal agreements are difficult to enforce.
What legal rules apply to rent arrears and possession claims?: The letter references the Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims based on Rent Arrears for social housing and the Civil Procedure Rules' overriding objective. For assured shorthold tenancies, it mentions Ground 8 of the Housing Act 1988, which requires at least two months' arrears for mandatory possession. Grounds 10 and 11 are discretionary, allowing courts to consider repayment plans. Courts may also suspend possession orders under specific Housing Act sections.