When a tenant falls behind on rent, a polite but firm written reminder is often the first step to resolving the issue.

A Letter to Request Arrears of Rent gives the tenant formal notice of the outstanding balance, clarifies the payment period involved, and sets a deadline for repayment, while keeping the tone respectful and professional.

This document can also serve as evidence if further action becomes necessary.

What is a Letter to Request Arrears of Rent?

A Letter to Request Arrears of Rent is a written notice from a landlord or property manager to a tenant about overdue rent. It specifies the amount owed, the rental period in question, and asks for payment within a reasonable time frame (usually 7–14 days). It can be used for both residential and commercial lettings.

This letter is usually the first formal step before pursuing legal action or eviction and helps maintain clear communication and accountability.

Why Send a Letter to Request Arrears of Rent?

Sending a formal arrears letter helps to:

• Prompt payment without escalating the issue
• Maintain a professional record of the debt
• Demonstrate fairness by giving the tenant a chance to resolve the situation
• Avoid misunderstandings about what is owed and when
• Lay the groundwork for further action if necessary

Using a tool like Bind ensures your letter is clearly worded, complete with all the essential details, and ready to send or download instantly.

What Should a Rent Arrears Letter Include?

A clear and effective arrears letter should contain:

• Tenant’s name
• Rental property address
• Outstanding rent amount
• Rental period covered
• Deadline for payment
• Contact details

Common Questions About Rent Arrears Letters

Is this the same as a legal notice of eviction?
No. A Letter to Request Arrears of Rent is not a legal eviction notice. It’s an informal step to prompt repayment before taking legal action.

Should I send this before speaking to the tenant?
You can speak to the tenant first, but a written letter creates a formal record of your request.

What if the tenant doesn’t respond?
If the arrears continue, you may follow up with further notices, or start eviction proceedings, depending on your situation.

Can I charge interest or late fees?
Only if it’s clearly stated in the tenancy agreement. Always check the contract and relevant housing regulations.

Is this suitable for commercial tenants too?
Yes. The format and tone remain professional but can be adapted slightly for business tenancies.

What Happens If You Don’t Send a Rent Arrears Letter?

Without a formal letter:

• The tenant may ignore or dispute the debt
• There’s no written record of your attempt to resolve the issue
• Legal processes may be delayed later on
• You risk straining the landlord–tenant relationship by appearing disorganised or unclear

A well-drafted arrears letter encourages payment and protects your interests.

Letter to Request Arrears of Rent – Free template

[Your Name]  
[Your Address]  
[Email Address]  
[Phone Number]  
[Date]

Dear [Name],

Re: Rent Arrears at [Address]

I am writing to inform you that your rent payments for the property above are in arrears. As of today, the total amount outstanding is [Amount], covering the rental period from[Date] to [Date].

Please arrange payment of the full amount within [Number] days from the date of this letter. If you are facing difficulties, I encourage you to contact me as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Yours sincerely,

Create a Rent Arrears Letter in minutes with Bind

Bind helps landlords and letting agents generate professional legal letters in just a few clicks. Use Bind to customise and send a Letter to Request Arrears of Rent—clearly, quickly, and with confidence.