Rent Arrears Framework — England and Wales

Updated

This guidance reflects the Renters' Rights Act 2025, in force from 1 May 2026. What has changed?

Who Can Adopt the Framework

The Rent Arrears Framework is available for voluntary adoption by any individual or organisation operating in or adjacent to the private rental sector in England and Wales.

Individual landlords

Private landlords who manage their own properties and wish to follow a structured, documented arrears process.

Letting agents

Agents managing properties on behalf of landlords who want a consistent standard applied across their portfolio.

Property managers

Organisations managing residential properties who want to demonstrate a structured and fair approach to arrears handling.

Housing organisations

Advisory bodies, housing charities, and local authority housing teams who wish to reference or endorse the framework.

What Adoption Means

Adoption is currently by self-declaration. An organisation or individual that adopts the framework makes a commitment to manage arrears situations in accordance with its principles and stages.

There is no registration fee and no formal application process at this stage. Adoption means committing to the following standards.

✓
Follow the six-stage arrears lifecycle Managing arrears situations through the structured stages defined by the framework, from early arrears through to resolution or legal proceedings where necessary.
✓
Communicate clearly and in writing Providing tenants with clear written communication at each stage, including the amount of arrears, the steps being taken, and the consequences of inaction.
✓
Maintain records throughout Keeping consistent records of all communications, notices, and arrangements throughout the arrears process.
✓
Escalate proportionately Taking formal steps only after earlier stages have been completed and resolution has not been achieved.
✓
Act in accordance with the six principles Upholding transparency, consistency, documentation, proportionality, early resolution, and clarity of consequences at every stage.

The Framework Mark

A framework mark is being developed for use by adopters in their communications, documentation, and marketing materials. The mark will indicate that a landlord or agent manages arrears situations in accordance with the framework's published standards.

RAF

Rent Arrears Framework Mark

The framework mark is in development and will be made available to adopters in due course. It is intended for use in tenancy documentation, correspondence, and professional profiles to signal a commitment to structured, fair arrears management.

Why Adopt?

Following the framework provides a structured, defensible process for managing arrears. There are clear practical benefits for landlords, agents, and organisations who adopt it.

Legal protection

Landlords who can demonstrate a clear, documented, stage-based process are better placed if a case proceeds to court and less likely to face challenges on procedural grounds.

Consistency

For letting agents and property managers, adoption provides a standard that can be applied across an entire portfolio and communicated clearly to landlords and tenants.

Credibility

Demonstrating adherence to a published, independent framework signals a professional and fair approach to arrears management to tenants, landlords, and third parties.

Coming soon — adopter register

A public register of framework adopters is in development
Listed adopters will be able to reference their inclusion in the register in their own communications
The register will be published on this site when available

Adopting the Framework