When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, landlords across the country found themselves in an unprecedented position: tenants couldn’t pay rent, eviction moratoriums were in place, and legal avenues were either blocked or blurred. Even now, years later, many landlords are still grappling with the aftermath of tenants not paying rent during COVID and wondering what options they have to recover those lost payments.
Whether you're still dealing with unpaid balances from 2020 or navigating repayment issues with current tenants, this guide outlines what you can legally do—and how to move forward.
Understanding the COVID Rent Crisis
At the height of the pandemic, eviction moratoriums from the CDC and various states temporarily suspended a landlord’s ability to remove tenants for nonpayment. These rules, while aimed at protecting public health, left many property owners with mounting losses and no clear path to collect unpaid rent.
Now that most moratoriums have ended, landlords are assessing their options for collecting back rent and determining how to approach tenant communication without risking legal trouble or damaging relationships.
If you’re unsure whether unpaid rent can still be pursued, check out How Long Can a Debt Be Collected? for guidance on statutes of limitations.
What You Can Legally Do Now
While landlords could not evict during much of 2020–2021, unpaid rent during that time was never "forgiven." Tenants still owe what they didn’t pay, and landlords retain the right to collect those balances. Here's what you can legally pursue now:
Send formal unpaid rent notices.
These help establish the amount owed and provide documentation should you pursue legal action or collection later. For help structuring your communication, see How to Write an Unpaid Rent Notice.
Pursue payment plans.
If tenants are still in place and willing, work out realistic repayment plans. Document the agreement in writing and be clear about expectations.
Refer accounts to collections.
If the tenant has moved out or refuses to cooperate, a professional debt recovery agency can pursue the balance. At ACB, we handle pandemic-era debts with full legal compliance and professionalism, so landlords don’t risk violating collection laws.
Take legal action if necessary.
In some cases, filing a lawsuit in small claims court or civil court may be appropriate. This is especially useful when tenants refuse to acknowledge the debt.
To learn more about when escalation makes sense, read How to Escalate Collections Without Damaging Your Reputation.
Approach Communication with Sensitivity
Although the pandemic has passed, its impact lingers—especially for tenants who faced job loss or illness. While the rent is still owed, approaching the conversation with empathy can increase the chances of voluntary payment.
Consider offering settlements, payment plans, or temporary forbearance when appropriate. But also be clear: rent owed is not erased, and nonpayment has real consequences.
If you're balancing compassion with the need for collection, see Maintaining Positive Tenant Relationships During the Debt Collection Process.
Partnering with a Debt Recovery Agency
Pandemic-era debts require a special touch. That’s where a professional agency like Advanced Collection Bureau can help. We combine respectful communication with advanced tools like skip tracing and credit reporting to recover unpaid rent—often without legal action.
Our services are compliant with all state and federal collection laws, and we never charge fees unless we collect. This makes ACB a risk-free partner for landlords still trying to recover COVID-related losses.
Conclusion: You Still Have Options
If you’re dealing with tenants not paying rent during COVID, you’re not alone—and you're not without recourse. Whether you're still working with current residents or tracking down past tenants, recovery is possible with the right approach.
At Advanced Collection Bureau, we understand the legal and emotional complexity of pandemic-era rent issues. Let us help you recover what you’re owed, professionally and efficiently.
Ready to reclaim lost rent? Work with ACB today.
