How do I recover unpaid rent from a current tenant?

Start by sending a formal Letter Before Action — a written demand for payment. If the tenant doesn't pay, the next step is typically the small claims court (for amounts up to £10,000). Our platform guides you through both stages with the correct documents and instructions.

Can I deduct unpaid rent from a security deposit?

Yes, where the tenancy deposit covers the amount owed and the deposit has been correctly protected. However, the process for making a deposit deduction must be followed correctly to avoid disputes. Our platform provides guidance on the deposit deduction process.

What if my tenant says they can't afford to pay?

A tenant's inability to pay does not eliminate the debt. You can still pursue a court claim and, if successful, apply for enforcement — including attachment of earnings or a charging order — to recover the money over time. Our platform explains your options at each stage.

Does making a court claim affect my relationship with the tenant?

This is a genuine concern for many landlords, particularly where a tenancy is ongoing. Sending a formal letter before action often prompts payment without court proceedings. However, where it doesn't, the court process is the correct legal route and you are entitled to use it.

What is the time limit for recovering unpaid rent?

In England and Wales, the limitation period for recovering unpaid rent is generally 6 years from the date each payment became due. It is therefore important to take action promptly rather than allowing arrears to accumulate over time.

Unpaid Rent Recovery

No upfront cost

Unpaid Rent Recovery

Tenant hasn't paid rent? Our platform helps landlords and property owners recover unpaid rent — from the first formal letter through to court action and enforcement.

Don't absorb losses you don't have to. Our step-by-step platform gives you the tools to act quickly, correctly, and cost-effectively.

Start Recovering Rent Get Professional Help

Letters before actionGenerated instantly

Court claim toolsFor amounts up to £10k+

Enforcement supportCCJ & beyond

Specialist networkProfessional referrals

Why act now

Every week you wait costs you more

Unpaid rent compounds quickly. One missed month becomes three, then six. Meanwhile, the tenant may move on — making recovery harder. The time to act is early, with the right formal process.

A formal Letter Before Action alone resolves many arrear situations. When it doesn't, our platform walks you through every subsequent step: court filing, hearing preparation, and enforcement options.

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Typical recovery timeline

Week 1

Letter Before Action sent

Formal written demand — many cases resolve here

Week 2–3

Deadline passes, tenant hasn't paid

File a court claim — straightforward for amounts under £10k

Week 6–10

Court hearing or default judgment

Receive a County Court Judgment in your favour

Week 12+

Enforcement

Bailiff action, attachment of earnings, or charging order

Simple Process

Three steps to recovering unpaid rent

Enter your case details

Tell us about the unpaid rent, the tenant, and the tenancy. Takes under 5 minutes.

Get your recovery plan

Receive a clear, step-by-step recovery plan based on your specific situation.

Act — with tools or a professional

Use our platform to generate the documents you need, or connect with a specialist.

Why ClaimBuilder

Tools built for rent recovery

Everything you need — from the first formal letter to court filing and beyond.

Formal Demand Letters

Generate letters before action and formal demands — the right way, from the start.

Court Claim Support

Understand how to make a small claims court application for unpaid rent without a solicitor.

Specialist Connections

We connect you with rent recovery specialists when you need professional representation.

Document Automation

Generate letters, case summaries, and court forms automatically from your case details.

Low-Cost Recovery

Access professional-grade recovery tools without the cost of solicitors at every step.

Escalation Guidance

Know exactly when and how to escalate — from informal demands to court and enforcement.

Free Enquiry

Get professional help with rent recovery

Fill in your details and we'll connect you with a specialist rent recovery professional. They'll assess your situation and identify the most effective route to recovering what you're owed.

Recovery plan

Clear steps based on your specific case.

Landlord specialists

Professionals with rental arrears experience.

Upfront costs explained

Know the fees before you commit.

Rent arrearsLetter before actionSmall claimsCCJEnforcementDeposit deduction

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about recovering unpaid rent.

ClaimBuilder provides tools and guidance to help landlords understand the rent recovery process. We do not provide legal advice and do not act as solicitors. For free, independent guidance, visit citizensadvice.org.uk or shelter.org.uk.