Rent Arrears Recovery

LBA

Letter Before Action

DCB Legal’s expert litigation team can assess a claim and swiftly issue a formal letter to resolve a debt amicably. Debtors will often engage to prevent further action.

Specialist Property Solicitors

DCB Legal provides landlords an effective service for both regaining possession of a property and recovering rent arrears. There are two main routes for recovering rent arrears.

The first is for tenancies where the tenant is still in the property and owes more than 2 months (becoming 3 months from 1st May 2026) of arrears; in this instance, a Section 8 notice can be issued, and the arrears can be awarded on the possession claim.

The other method would be to issue a money claim which can be used for both current and former tenants.

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Issuing a Section 8 notice for Rent Arrears

The most common reason to issue a section 8 notice is for rental arrears. This is a mandatory ground for evicting a tenant if the arrears are more than 2 months (becoming 3 months from 1st May 2026), so if a landlord wishes to evict a tenant as well as recover arrears, this is the best choice. When a claim is issued under this process, landlords will not have to pay additional court fees, and arrears can be claimed up to the date the tenant vacates the property.

Issuing a Money Claim for Rent Arrears

The alternative route to recovering arrears is by issuing a money claim. The benefits of this process are that it can be used concurrently with Section 21 proceedings, meaning that the possession claim may still be carried out under the accelerated procedure. Additionally, this process can be used to recover arrears from tenants who have already left the premises. The court fees in this process are separate and are dependent on the balance of the arrears.

Our One Solution

Leaders in our specialist fields.

DCB Legal work in conjunction with our sister company, DCBL, to provide our clients with a ‘one solution’ service in all of our specialist fields; Debt Resolution, Civil & Commercial Litigation, and Landlord & Tenant Services.

Our seamless case transfer means all of our clients have access to the UK’s Leading High Court Enforcement firm to provide an expeditious resolution.

0203 434 0426

Enforcing an order

As the sister firm to DCBL, the leading high court enforcement firm in the UK, we understand the practicalities of enforcing an order and will carry out every step to ensure landlords are in the best position to enforce their claim. We can also offer alternative enforcement methods for rent arrears recovery, such as obtaining an attachment of earnings if the tenant’s employment is known, or a third-party debt order against the tenant’s bank accounts.

Why use a Law Firm?

Whether claiming for arrears through a Section 8 or through a money claim, there are many intricacies to the process that tenants may take advantage of. Our team of specialist property lawyers means we can offer landlords an unparalleled service for both recovering arrears and regaining properties. Many steps, such as the letter of claim or application to transfer-up to the High Court, are often missed even by the most experienced of landlords and can lead to adverse costs or delays.

What our clients say

Our clients praise us for our great results, personable service and expert advice.

Heleen

Seek expert advice from DCB Legal
at the outset of any eviction or tenancy issue

David Croot, solicitor at DCB Legal, helped me regained possession of my flat and recouped as much of the arrears as possible. David’s strategic abilities, combined with his empathetic communication style, made me feel confident and reassured. His patience, kindness, exceptional knowledge and, importantly, experience allowed me to achieve the best possible outcome.

Heleen VW

Caroline

Section 21 & Section 8

Although we were unsuccessful in our first attempt in court, we were successful in our second attempt. This whole process was handled by Neil Smith very professionally and he couldn’t have done any more during the first attempt at court date one. We have now been granted possession and are renovating our property at present. If we decide to go for our back rent we would definitely be in touch with Neil again.
Thank you DCB Legal!

Caroline and Andy Ruane

Michael

I was pleased with how efficient and…

I was pleased with how efficient and simple it was to use the services of this company. I had a tenant who was refusing to move out, despite not paying rent for a long time. Within 3 weeks of engaging the services of this company the tenant was gone. I believe that the weight of a legal letter is much more valued than me writing to the tenant. I wish I had used them earlier in the process.

Rent Arrears Recovery

Letter Before Action

DCB Legal’s expert litigation team can assess a claim and swiftly issue a formal letter to resolve a debt amicably. Debtors will often engage to prevent further action.

Issuing a claim

Where a debtor has not engaged with the pre-action letter, we can issue a claim in the County or High Court. All clients can expect claims to be handled by our experienced lawyers.

Enforcing an order

Once DCB Legal have obtained an order, we can seamlessly transfer the case to DCBL, meaning our clients are in the best position to recover their debt without delay.

Alternative means of enforcement are also available.

Specialist Litigation Services With Bite

DCB Legal’s specialist litigation team can assist our clients with a wide verity of claims, from civil debt recovery to commercial contract dispute resolution. Together with DCBL, we provide a one solution service.