IVA and Renting: Tenancy, Landlord and Credit Checks

An IVA does not automatically end a tenancy, but it can affect renting in practical ways. The biggest issues are rent arrears, tenancy clauses, future credit checks and whether your IVA budget leaves enough money for rent and moving costs.

Before entering an IVA, check your tenancy agreement and take advice if you have rent arrears or expect to move home soon.

Will My Landlord Be Told About My IVA?

Your landlord is not normally contacted just because you enter an IVA, unless they are a creditor or need to be included because you owe rent arrears. However, an IVA is a public insolvency record and appears on your credit file.

If rent arrears are included, your landlord may be notified because they are an affected creditor.

Can an IVA Get You Evicted?

An IVA alone is not usually a direct reason for eviction. The real risk is:

• rent arrears
• breaching a tenancy clause about insolvency
• failing affordability checks when renewing or moving
• including rent arrears in the IVA without understanding landlord rights

Keep current rent payments up to date. Current rent is a priority bill and should be included in your essential expenditure, not treated like a normal unsecured debt.

Rent Arrears and IVAs

Old rent arrears after a tenancy has ended may sometimes be included as an unsecured debt. Current tenancy arrears are more sensitive because your home may be at risk.

Before including rent arrears, ask:

• could the landlord start possession action?
• can arrears be cleared separately as a priority payment?
• would a DMP give more flexibility?
• is a DRO or bankruptcy more suitable?
• what happens if you need to move during the IVA?

Moving Home During an IVA

Moving while in an IVA can be harder because letting agents often run affordability and credit checks. You may need:

• a larger deposit
• a guarantor
• rent in advance
• evidence of stable income
• written budget approval from your IVA supervisor

If you expect to move soon, tell your adviser before the IVA is proposed. A budget that ignores moving costs can become unaffordable quickly.

Tenancy Checklist Before Signing an IVA

1. Read your tenancy agreement for insolvency clauses.
2. Check whether you have any rent arrears.
3. Make sure the IVA budget includes full rent and realistic household costs.
4. Ask what happens if rent rises.
5. Ask whether moving costs can be allowed.
6. Get housing advice if your landlord has threatened action.

IVA vs DMP for Renters

A DMP may be better if you need flexibility because you may move, expect rent to rise or need to handle arrears carefully. An IVA may be better if debts are unmanageable and you need formal creditor protection, but only if housing costs are secure in the budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my landlord be told about my IVA?

Your landlord is not normally told just because you enter an IVA unless they are a creditor, for example because rent arrears are included.

Can an IVA affect moving into a new rental property?

Yes. An IVA can affect future credit and affordability checks, so you may need a guarantor, larger deposit or rent in advance when moving.

Can rent arrears be included in an IVA?

Some rent arrears may be included, but current tenancy arrears need specialist advice because your home could be at risk.

Sources checked

• GOV.UK: Individual Voluntary Arrangements for IVA basics.
• Citizens Advice IVA guidance for pre-IVA checks.
• Citizens Advice housing guidance for tenancy and arrears context.