Another key change under the Renters’ Rights Act is the tightening of eviction rules where rent arrears are involved.

These updates are designed to give tenants more time and protection if they fall behind on rent, while also introducing clearer processes that landlords must follow when seeking possession of their property.

How do rent arrears evictions work currently?

At present, landlords can take action to evict a tenant if they fall behind on rent using specific legal grounds.

In serious cases, where a tenant has built up significant arrears, landlords can rely on a mandatory ground for possession, which means the court must grant possession if the criteria are met. The notice period for these cases has traditionally been relatively short, allowing landlords to act quickly.

While this system provides landlords with a route to regain possession, it has also been criticised for not always giving tenants enough time to recover from financial difficulty.

What’s changing under the Renters’ Rights Act?

Under the new legislation, the threshold for what counts as serious rent arrears is being increased and the notice period required before taking action is being extended.

Tenants will now need to be at least three months behind on rent before landlords can rely on the main mandatory ground for eviction. In addition to this, the notice period for these cases is doubling, meaning tenants will be given more time before legal action can proceed.

This change is intended to create a more balanced approach, allowing tenants additional time to address their arrears while still giving landlords a structured process to follow.

How will this affect landlords?

For landlords, these changes mean that dealing with rent arrears may take longer and require more careful management.

The increased threshold and longer notice periods mean that landlords will need to act earlier when arrears begin to build, rather than waiting until the situation becomes more serious. Monitoring payments closely and maintaining regular communication with tenants will become even more important.

It also highlights the need for thorough referencing at the start of a tenancy, as well as having clear processes in place for handling missed payments.

While landlords still retain the ability to regain possession, the process is now more structured and requires greater attention to detail.

What does this mean for tenants?

For tenants, the new rules provide additional time and protection if they experience financial difficulties.

Being given a longer notice period allows tenants the opportunity to catch up on missed payments, seek advice or make alternative arrangements before facing eviction.

It also ensures that eviction is not an immediate outcome, but rather a process that allows for a fair and considered resolution.

Why this change matters

The introduction of stronger eviction rules for rent arrears reflects a broader effort to create a more balanced rental market.

It acknowledges that financial difficulties can arise while also maintaining a framework that protects landlords’ rights. By extending timelines and raising thresholds, the legislation aims to reduce unnecessary evictions while encouraging better communication and earlier intervention.

For both landlords and tenants, it promotes a more structured and transparent approach to managing arrears.

The importance of early action and proper management

With longer timelines in place, it becomes even more important to address rent arrears at an early stage.

Landlords who act quickly, communicate clearly and keep accurate records are far better positioned to manage issues effectively. Waiting too long can lead to larger arrears and a more complex situation to resolve.

A proactive approach not only reduces financial risk but also helps maintain a more stable tenancy.

Need advice on managing rent arrears?

At Seths Estate Agents, we support landlords across Leicester in managing tenancies professionally and in line with the latest legislation.

From tenant referencing and rent collection to handling arrears and legal processes, we ensure your property is protected and your responsibilities are met.

If you are currently self-managing or working with another agent, now is the time to review your approach and make sure you are prepared for these changes.

📞 Call our team on 0116 266 9977 for expert property management.