2. Recovering unpaid rent
We try to help people avoid losing their homes. But if rent isn’t paid, here’s what we do:
Step 1: We contact you
We’ll try to call, text, or email you. We’ll also send letters.
Step 2: We send a legal notice
If you don’t respond, we may send you a legal notice. This will either be a Notice of Seeking Possession (if you have a secure tenancy), or a Notice to End if you have an introductory tenancy. This is the first step in taking back your home. You should contact us immediately to pay what you owe or agree an affordable repayment plan.
Step 3: We go to court
If the debt gets worse, we’ll ask the court for permission to take back your home. This is called a Possession Order.
Step 4: Court decision
The judge may let you stay in your home if you agree to pay your rent and a bit extra each week to clear the debt. This is called a Suspended Possession Order. We’ll also ask the court to add legal costs to your rent debt.
Step 5: Eviction
If you don’t pay what the court has told you to pay, we’ll ask the court to tell bailiffs to take back your home. This is called a Possession Warrant.
Please don’t ignore the problem. We want to help you stay in your home. Talk to us as soon as you can.
For further information please see our Debt Collection Policy.