Tenant in arrears with rent: what actions to take?

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Tenant in arrears with rent: what actions to take?

Dealing with a tenant who doesn't pay their rent on time can be a complex and worrying situation. To help you deal with this situation, we have produced a practical guide with steps to take and tips on how to prevent late payments.

đź“ťTaking legal action for unpaid rent

If you are faced with a tenant who is not paying their rent, there are several legal options available to you. It is important to understand your rights and the steps you need to take:

  • Contact your tenant: first, try to have a friendly chat and try to understand the reasons for the delay. It may be a simple oversight or a temporary difficulty.
  • Write a formal notice: if communication does not succeed, send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to demand payment of the late rent.
  • Take legal action: if there is no response or the landlord refuses to pay, you can take the matter to the competent judicial body to start legal proceedings.

🔎 Preventing rent arrears

To avoid this unpleasant situation, here are some tips on how to choose your tenants correctly and reduce the risk of late payment:

  • Take your time when looking for a tenant: don't choose the first applicant. Carefully analyze each application to find a serious and solvent tenant.
  • Check the applicant's income: make sure the tenant's income is at least three times the amount of the rent. This will limit the risk of late payment.
  • Favor stable professional profiles: tenants with permanent contracts or stable employment are less likely to have payment problems than those with precarious contracts.

🛡️ Opt for rental guarantee insurance for unpaid rents

Some insurance companies offer rental guarantee policies. They can reimburse you in the event of non-payment and can also take care of certain procedures to recover the money owed and require the tenant to fulfil their obligations. Despite the additional cost, these policies offer peace of mind and a minimum of financial stability.

🤝 Entrust the management of your property to an estate agency

If you prefer not to deal with these issues yourself, you can entrust the rental management of your property to an estate agency. They will collect the rent, send reminders and even carry out repairs if necessary. This way you can be sure that your property is let and that the rent is paid into your bank account each month.