Initiating Legal Action in Rent Arrears Cases
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Rent Arrears Management for Approved Housing Bodies
This 1 day course aims to assist those dealing with rent arrears to do so lawfully, fairly and effectively and to obtain reliable evidence to allow enforcement.
Online / In Person
1 day
About this course
Rental income supports an Approved Housing Body’s ability to maintain homes and deliver services to tenants. Rent arrears must therefore be addressed promptly, while ensuring that each case is managed fairly, consistently and in accordance with the law.
This practical one-day course helps staff prevent, identify and manage rent arrears effectively. It covers the legal framework, tenant engagement, internal procedures, record keeping and the evidence that may be required if a dispute proceeds to the Residential Tenancies Board or further enforcement.
The course can be adapted to reflect your organisation’s rent arrears policy, tenancy agreement and escalation procedures.
Why choose this course
This course is ideal to:
Gain a clear understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements governing rent arrears management within Approved Housing Bodies.
Tailor the training to your organisation’s rent arrears policy, tenancy agreement and internal procedures.
Develop practical skills to manage cases fairly, maintain reliable records and prepare evidence for potential RTB proceedings.
Course syllabus
By the end of the course, participants should be better able to:
- Explain the principal legal and regulatory requirements affecting the management of rent arrears by AHBs.
- Identify the respective rights and responsibilities of AHB landlords and tenants.
- Apply their organisation’s rent arrears policy and tenancy agreement consistently.
- Recognise when early intervention or additional tenant engagement may prevent arrears from escalating.
- Follow the correct procedures when issuing warnings, notices or referring a dispute.
- Apply the principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
- Maintain accurate, objective and defensible records.
- Prepare an organised evidence file for advisers or an RTB dispute.
- Identify procedural or evidential weaknesses that could undermine a case.
The legal and regulatory framework
- The Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended.
- The rights and responsibilities of AHB landlords and tenants.
- The role of the Residential Tenancies Board.
- The Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 and relevant AHBRA standards.
- Recent and relevant case law, and its practical implications for AHBs.
AHBRA’s statutory standards include tenancy management, effective policies and communication with tenants. Its latest published assessment findings also identify transparency concerning rent arrears as an area requiring continued attention. AHBRA standards, AHBRA Annual Report 2024 summary.
Prevention and early management
- Identifying arrears at an early stage.
- Communicating clearly and sensitively with tenants.
- Establishing the reason for non-payment.
- Agreeing and documenting repayment arrangements.
- Managing disputed balances.
- Signposting tenants to appropriate support services.
- Managing vulnerability, accessibility needs and communication barriers.
Policies and procedures
- Reviewing the organisation’s rent arrears policy.
- Understanding relevant tenancy agreement provisions.
- Applying policies consistently.
- Documenting decisions and any departure from normal procedures.
- Escalating cases appropriately.
- Recognising common procedural errors.
RTB disputes and enforcement
- The RTB’s role in rent arrears disputes.
- Mediation, adjudication and tribunal processes.
- Warning notices and Notices of Termination.
- Service requirements and proof of service.
- Preparing for a hearing.
- Working effectively with legal advisers.
- Using an RTB Determination Order and considering subsequent enforcement.
Who should attend
- Housing officers.
- Rent and income collection officers.
- Tenancy sustainment officers.
- Property and tenancy management staff.
- Customer service staff dealing with rent queries.
- Team leaders and managers.
- Compliance, governance and legal staff working within AHBs.
Participants do not need any previous legal knowledge. The course to be suitable for both newer staff and experienced personnel requiring a legal and procedural refresher.
Meet the trainer – Janet Dalton
Solicitor
Janet grew up in Belfast and won a scholarship to Cambridge where she graduated in 1986 with a degree in Philosophy. She went on to convert to Law and practiced as a criminal Solicitor in London for...
Read BioPractical training with small groups to ensure quality.
Our training sessions are not lectures—they're practical, interactive experiences. The small group format allows every attendee to ask questions, take part in discussions involving practical exercises and role-plays.
This method of training allows attendees to put the skills learned into practice immediately. Course participants benefit from the focused attention and guidance of an independent expert.
Enquire today
This course can be tailored to your organisation’s rent arrears policy, tenancy agreement, communication procedures and escalation framework. Relevant documents can be reviewed before delivery so that the training reflects the situations staff encounter in practice.
Please contact us for details.
Strengthen your approach to managing rent arrears.
FAQs
Yes. The course can be tailored to reflect your organisation’s rent arrears policy, tenancy agreement, communication procedures and escalation process.
Yes. No previous legal knowledge is required. The legal and procedural requirements are explained in clear, practical language.
Yes. The course examines the role of the Residential Tenancies Board and the procedures that may apply when a rent arrears matter proceeds to mediation, adjudication or tribunal.
Yes. Relevant tenancy agreements, policies and standard correspondence can be reviewed and incorporated into the programme, subject to agreement before delivery.
Yes. The course can be delivered live online or in person at your organisation’s premises or another suitable location.
Yes. The course is suitable for staff across housing, rent collection, tenancy sustainment, customer service, compliance and management teams. Recommended participant numbers can be agreed based on the delivery format and level of interaction required.
