Behind on rent: how to talk to your landlord about a payment plan
A month or two is missing, a letter from the landlord sits unanswered. The hardest part is the first call. Make it before they catch you on the stairs.
This page trains the conversation. It is not legal, tax or financial advice; whether a claim is right and what you should pay is for a free debt adviser to check. Preview: not yet reviewed by debt advisers.
For a private landlord the rent is often already spent — on their own mortgage or bills. They are annoyed and worried, and above all they want a plan they can believe. Excuses do not help them. A small offer you can keep does.
Alongside, contact your local social services or a free debt adviser early; in some places help with rent arrears exists. What protects you as a tenant depends on where you live — a local adviser knows. This page is about the conversation.
What you can say
- "I'm calling about the rent. Two months are missing, and I didn't answer your letter. I'm sorry."
- "The reason in one sentence: [lost my job / illness / a large bill]."
- "From the 1st I'll pay the full rent on time again, plus [amount] a month towards what's missing."
- "A first payment will arrive by Friday. You can measure me by that."
- "I'll confirm it in writing. Does that work for you?"
What not to say
- Staying silent. Every month without word makes the talk harder and the trust smaller.
- Promising more than you can pay. Current rent first; the arrears in instalments you can keep.
- Blaming the landlord for your situation, or telling them they can afford to wait.
- Answering a threat with a threat. "I understand you're considering it" is stronger.
In writing
After the talk, send a short message or letter: what is missing, when rent resumes, which instalment on which day. Keep a copy, and keep every letter from the landlord.
If the other side says …
- They I'm not interested in your excuses.
- You Then no excuses: two months' rent is missing. From the 1st I can pay the full rent plus [amount] a month. I'll confirm it in writing.
- They Otherwise I'll have to give you notice.
- You I understand you're considering it. I want to avoid exactly that, which is why I'm making you a concrete offer today.
- They Why should I believe you now?
- You With a small first step: a first payment will arrive by Friday. You can measure me by that.
- They Then go to the council.
- You I'm doing that in parallel, yes. I'd still like an agreement with you so you know what's coming.
Free help
An eviction date already set, or the power about to be cut: contact your local social services today. Free debt advice: your local service (in Germany: meine-schulden.de). How to ask for instalments: How to ask for a payment plan.
Rehearse the conversation
One of the practice room's scenes is exactly this: Saturday morning in the stairwell, your landlady is coming down the stairs, two months' rent is missing. You find it under "Start differently", as well as the counterpart "Landlord" with the situation "Rent arrears" for your own case.