Landlord guide
What to do if your letting agent has not paid your rent
First, check your account and ask the agent directly for a written explanation and a payment date. Agents should hold client money in a separate, protected client account, so a late payment is usually an administrative delay rather than a lost payment. If delays continue or the agent will not explain, put your concerns in writing, check if they belong to a client money protection scheme, and consider whether it is time to move your management elsewhere.
Check the basics first
Confirm the tenant has actually paid rent for that period, then check your management agreement for the promised payment timescale. Many agents pay within 5 to 10 working days.
Ask for client money protection details
Letting agents in England are required to belong to a client money protection scheme. Ask your agent to confirm their scheme and membership number if a payment goes missing.
Put it in writing
Email the agent asking for the date the tenant paid, the date they intend to pay you, and a reason for the delay. A written record matters if you need to escalate.
- Request the tenant's payment date and reference
- Ask for a firm payment date in return
- Keep all correspondence for your records
When to escalate
If the agent is unresponsive or delays become a pattern, you can complain to their redress scheme (The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme) and consider switching agents.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Landlord information last reviewed: September 2026. Renting out a property
