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Rent arrears and tenant eviction support

After renting to the same tenant for several years without issue, our landlord customer faced an unexpected situation when rent payments stopped and all communication ceased. As a retiree who relied on the rental income to supplement his pension, he contacted the ARAG legal advice helpline for support.

A claim was set up and a solicitor appointed to assist with regaining possession of the property. As the policy included Rent Guarantee cover, ARAG paid the rent for six months until the tenant left, followed by 50% of the rent while the property was redecorated. The financial support provided valuable reassurance during a difficult period.

Rent arrears, possession and rent guarantee support

Our customer owned several rental properties and was contacted by her letting agent when a long-standing tenant stopped paying rent following the loss of their job. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, the tenant remained unresponsive. Marie contacted ARAG and a claim was established.

A solicitor was appointed to assist with regaining possession, while ARAG's Rent Guarantee cover ensured the monthly rent continued to be paid throughout the six-month process. When the tenant left the property in poor condition, ARAG also provided 50% of the monthly rent while repairs and redecoration were completed, helping her return the property to the rental market quickly.

Resolving a rent dispute without going to court

A dispute arose when a tenant withheld rent, claiming the property suffered from damp, mould and maintenance issues. Our landlord customer disputed the allegations and contacted ARAG for support. Following a review of the circumstances, ARAG assisted with a pre-action letter outlining both parties' legal obligations and encouraging an early resolution.

Supported by legal guidance throughout the negotiations, the landlord was able to reach an agreement with the tenant without the need for court proceedings. The outstanding rent was recovered in full, while ARAG covered the legal costs associated with advice, negotiations and dispute resolution, saving the customer time, stress and expense.

Rent arrears, rent guarantee and regaining possession

When a previously reliable tenant stopped paying rent and became unresponsive, our customer faced mounting financial pressure as the rental income was needed to cover mortgage and property costs. Fortunately, his landlord policy included Rent Guarantee cover.

After contacting ARAG, a claim was assessed and approved, enabling the landlord to receive ongoing rent payments while legal action progressed. Solicitors were appointed to assist with regaining possession of the property, providing support and guidance throughout the process. Our customer successfully recovered possession and avoided significant financial strain thanks to the combined protection of Rent Guarantee and legal expenses cover.

Supporting an accidental landlord

After inheriting her parents' tenanted property, our customer found herself unexpectedly becoming a landlord. Unsure of her responsibilities and keen to manage the property correctly, she contacted the ARAG legal advice helpline.

A specialist adviser provided practical guidance on landlord obligations and signposted her to ARAG Businesslaw, which included access to landlord guides, templates and legal updates. With expert advice available by phone and a range of online resources at her fingertips, she quickly gained confidence in her new role and felt reassured that support was available whenever she needed it.

Quick resolution for an accidental landlord selling a property

Our customer became an accidental landlord after inheriting her parents' property. When she decided to sell, she informed her tenants that she would need to regain possession so the sale could proceed. Although the tenants initially indicated they would leave, they later stopped paying rent and remained in the property. Unsure how to proceed, she contacted the ARAG legal advice helpline.

Following a claim assessment, a solicitor was appointed and wrote directly to the tenants. Within four weeks, they agreed to leave voluntarily, allowing her to regain possession and proceed with the sale without court action. Early legal support helped resolve the matter quickly and with minimal stress.

Disclaimer

*Legal advice is available 24/7 in England and Wales only; advice in other jurisdictions is available 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays.