Politely chasing a tenant for late rent payment

The reminder process

Chasing a tenant who is late with rent should be gradual, professional and documented. Each step increases pressure while preserving the relationship.

Gradual procedure

Initial patience is important as a one-off delay is often an oversight. See our guide on rental disputes for judicial remedies.

Effective communication

Friendly reminder (D+5)

Stay factual and kind:

• Recall the due date
• Mention the amount due
• Ask if there is a problem
• Offer a solution if the difficulty is temporary

Written reminder (D+10)

More formal, still courteous:

• Summarise amounts due with dates
• Set a deadline for payment (5 days)
• Recall the consequences of persistent non-payment
• Offer a payment plan if the tenant is in difficulty

Tone

The formal notice

When to send

After 30 days of late payment and failure of amicable reminders. The formal notice is the essential prerequisite for any legal proceedings.

Required content

• Identity of the landlord and tenant
• Reference to the lease (date, address)
• Amount of unpaid rent(s)
• Deadline for payment (15 days)
• Warning of legal proceedings in case of non-payment

Sending

Send by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. Keep a copy and proof of sending.

For letter templates, see our registered letter templates.

Remedies for unpaid rent

Proceedings before the justice of the peace

If the formal notice has no effect:

1. Refer to the justice of the peace (application or summons)
2. Hearing within 2-4 weeks
3. Judgment: payment of arrears, lease termination or payment plan
4. Enforcement: if not complied with, eviction by bailiff

Alternatives

Prevention

The best prevention is rigorous tenant selection and direct debit for rent payments. Use our lease generator and see our guide on the rental deposit.