TLA
Log in

Resources

Claims Guide

Landlord answers, Renters' Rights guidance, and a step-by-step breakdown of how rent protection claims work — so you know what to expect before arrears hit.

How the claims process works

From the first missed payment through to recovery — seven stages every landlord should understand.

1

Rent Missed

Your tenant stops paying. Arrears are logged and the clock starts — this is when having a complete compliance record matters most.

2

Mediation

Early contact and mediation are attempted before legal costs escalate. Many disputes can be resolved here if documentation is in order.

3

Legal Assessment

Your claim evidence is reviewed: AST, rent log, EPC, EICR, GSC and deposit protection. Gaps here are the most common reason claims stall.

4

Claim Accepted

Cover is confirmed and your claim is accepted. From this point, rent protection payments can begin subject to policy terms.

5

Rent Payments Begin

Monthly rent payments start while possession proceedings continue — so you can cover the mortgage while the legal process runs.

6

Possession

If the tenant does not leave voluntarily, possession action proceeds through the courts. No possession action means no rent protection.

7

Recovery

Outstanding rent and recoverable costs are pursued after possession. Your evidence pack supports recovery throughout.

No possession action means no Rent Protection.

What you'll need for a claim

Insurers and legal teams ask for the same documents every time. Having them stored, validated and address-matched before arrears hit saves weeks of delay.

  • ✓Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
  • ✓Rent payment log showing arrears
  • ✓EPC certificate (valid and address-matched)
  • ✓EICR certificate (valid and address-matched)
  • ✓Gas Safety Certificate (GSC)
  • ✓Deposit protection evidence

Don't get caught out

The things landlords wish they knew earlier.

Why Claims Get Declined

Missing documents, expired certificates, or an address mismatch between the AST and compliance certs are the top reasons. Insurers need a complete, validated record before they pay.

Read more →

Fake NHS References

Fraudulent tenant references are increasingly common. Always verify references independently and keep copies on file — they may be requested during a claim.

Read more →

Cash for Keys Explained

Paying a tenant to leave voluntarily can seem faster than court, but it must be documented carefully. Inform your insurer before agreeing any settlement.

Read more →

Why Councils Tell Tenants to Stay

Local authorities may advise tenants to remain in situ during disputes. Understanding your legal position early helps you avoid costly delays.

Read more →

Airbnb Subletting – What You Can Do

If your property appears on a short-let platform without consent, act quickly. Check your AST clauses, gather evidence, and follow the correct notice procedure.

Read more →

Compliance Mistakes That Cost Landlords

An expired EICR, wrong landlord name on the AST, or an unprotected deposit can invalidate a claim before it starts. TLA flags these before they become expensive.

Read more →

Most of these come down to one missing document. See where you stand →

Recent insights

Landlord answers

Legislation

Section 8 Has Changed – What Landlords Need to Know

Section 8 rent arrears claims now require two months' arrears at both the notice date and the hearing date. The notice period has also changed. If your Section 8 notice is out of date, your possession case can fail before it reaches court.

Read more →
Possession

How Tenants Delay Possession Claims

Tenants can delay possession through disrepair counterclaims, requests for adjournments, or by disputing notice validity. Having watertight documentation — correct notices, valid certs, accurate rent logs — reduces the tactics available to delay.

Read more →
Compliance

The New Form 3A – What You Must Know

Form 3A replaces the old Section 21 notice format. It requires additional information about the tenant's rights and property compliance. Serving the wrong form, or an incomplete one, can void your notice entirely.

Read more →

Know the risk for your own property. Check My Risk →

Renters' Rights Act

The rules are changing — are you ready?

The Renters' Rights Act abolishes Section 21, introduces new notice requirements, and strengthens tenant protections. Landlords who are not compliant before serving notice face longer delays, higher legal costs, and claims that fail before they reach court.

Common questions

When should I start a rent protection claim?+

Most policies require a minimum arrears period — typically around 14 days overdue — before a claim can be opened. Check your policy terms and ensure your rent log is up to date.

What documents do I need before claiming?+

At minimum: a valid AST, rent payment history showing arrears, current EPC, EICR and GSC certificates, and deposit protection evidence. TLA Vault stores and validates these automatically.

Can I claim if I haven't started possession action?+

No. Rent protection requires that possession proceedings are underway. Mediation is attempted first, but a claim without possession action will not be accepted.

How does the Renters' Rights Act affect my claim?+

The Act introduces new notice requirements, abolishes Section 21 in due course, and strengthens tenant protections. Landlords who are not compliant before serving notice face longer delays and higher costs.

Get claim-ready before arrears hit

Store your compliance documents, see your risk exposure, and fix gaps before they cost you.