What is rent arrears?

Rent arrears refer to the amount of rent that a tenant has not paid to their landlord or property manager. When a tenant has rent arrears, they are considered to be in breach of their tenancy agreement and it can lead to a range of consequences.

Tenants may fall behind on rent payments for a variety of reasons, including job loss, unexpected expenses, or other financial challenges. It is important for tenants to communicate with their landlord or property manager as soon as possible if they anticipate falling behind on their rent payments. This can allow for alternative payment arrangements to be made and can potentially avoid more serious consequences.

If rent arrears are not addressed, a landlord may take legal action to recover the unpaid rent. This can include eviction proceedings and can ultimately lead to the tenant being forced to vacate the property. Rent arrears can also negatively impact a tenant's credit score and rental history, making it more difficult to secure housing in the future.

It is important for both tenants and landlords to understand their rights and obligations when it comes to rent arrears and to explore all available options for resolving the issue. This may include payment plans, government assistance programs, or other solutions.