Getting unpaid rent back

Getting unpaid rent back

1. 1

   Is the tenant on Universal Credit?

   YesAsk DWP to pay the housing element direct to you (a managed payment) — check GOV.UK for the current threshold.

   NoCarry on.
2. 2

   Add a money judgment to the possession claim

   Ask the court for the arrears, court fee and costs at the same hearing.

3. 3

   Claim against the deposit

   After they leave: agree deductions, or use the scheme's free dispute service.

4. 4

   Judgment still unpaid?

   Enforce itAttachment of earnings or enforcement agents. A county court judgment also affects their credit record.

   Rent guarantee insuranceIf you had it before the arrears started, it may pay the rent and legal costs.
5. !

   Bailiffs don't collect money

   County court bailiffs evicting the tenant don't collect arrears — that's a separate step.

6. ✓

   Money recovered

   Ask Wala or a solicitor which route fits.

Checked against official sources on 2 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice · landlordwala.com/diagrams/recover-unpaid-rent