The COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly every aspect of housing. Emergency protections, eviction moratoriums, and rent relief programs aimed to protect tenants—but left many landlords holding the financial bag.
Now, years later, some landlords are still struggling to collect unpaid rent from the pandemic period. So what can you legally do if your tenants didn’t pay rent during COVID? And what’s still enforceable today?
This guide covers your recovery options, how courts are treating pandemic-era rent debt, and how to move forward with professional support.
Are Pandemic Rent Debts Still Collectible?
Yes—unpaid rent from COVID-era leases is still a valid debt in most jurisdictions. While emergency moratoriums prevented evictions temporarily, they did not cancel rent obligations.
That means if a tenant skipped payments in 2020 or 2021, you may still have the legal right to pursue those balances. The key is acting within your state’s statute of limitations and ensuring proper documentation of lease terms, payment history, and missed months.
For more on navigating this legally, see Navigating the Legal Landscape of Debt Collection.
Step One: Review Documentation
Start by reviewing your rental agreements and payment records from the pandemic years. Document all missed payments, communication attempts, and any rental assistance provided or applied for.
Courts are more likely to side with landlords who made reasonable efforts during the pandemic—like offering payment plans or helping tenants apply for assistance.
Step Two: Consider the Tenant’s Current Status
Has the tenant moved out or broken their lease? Are they still occupying the unit? Each scenario will shape your next step. If the tenant has vacated, you may move directly to collections or small claims. If they’re still present, you may need to follow your local eviction process, especially if unpaid rent continues to pile up.
For current occupants, carefully consult your local eviction laws before taking any legal action. If you’re unsure, check out How to Collect Unpaid Rent Without Legal Trouble.
Step Three: Hire a Collection Agency Familiar with COVID-Related Debt
Not all debt is created equal, and pandemic-era rent debt comes with its own challenges. That’s why it helps to work with a collection agency that understands how to handle these unique cases.
At Advanced Collection Bureau, we work with landlords every day who are still recovering from COVID-related losses. Our process includes:
- Skip tracing to locate former tenants
- Twice-monthly credit bureau reporting
- Legal, respectful communication
- No fees unless we collect
We know how to navigate the sensitivities around COVID-related debts while still protecting your financial rights as a landlord.
Explore how this works in How Apartment Debt Collection Works.
What About Rent Relief Programs?
Many states offered rental assistance during the pandemic. If you or your tenant received funds, verify whether those payments were applied correctly. If a tenant was approved but never used the funds—or if they refused to participate—that could strengthen your legal standing for collections.
Additionally, if you submitted for relief but were denied due to the tenant’s noncompliance, make sure to document that outcome.
Moving Forward After COVID Rent Losses
The pandemic may be behind us, but its financial impact lingers. For landlords, recovering unpaid rent is key to rebuilding cash flow, especially if you own multiple units or rely on rental income as your primary source.
Debt collection isn’t just about reclaiming lost income—it’s about restoring operational health. And with a trusted partner like ACB, you can do that legally, ethically, and effectively.
For more recovery guidance, see The Impact of Effective Debt Recovery on Apartment Community Valuation.
