Payment intents

When a tenant makes a partial payment during an active N4 void period, you need to decide how to handle it. Payment intents record your decision and its implications for the case.

When payment intents apply

Payment intents are relevant when:

1. An N4 notice has been served
2. The void period is active (14 days from service)
3. The tenant makes a payment that does not cover the full arrears

Intent options

When recording a partial payment during an N4 period, choose one of these intents:

Intent	Effect
Accept and continue	Accept the payment, but continue the N4 process. Arrears balance is reduced but the notice remains active.
Accept and void N4	Accept the payment and void the N4 notice. Use this when the payment satisfies the arrears or you agree to withdraw.
Reject	Reject the payment. Rare — typically used when payment method is invalid or disputed.
Pause legal proceedings	Accept the payment and temporarily pause the legal process. Use when negotiating a payment arrangement.

Recording a payment intent

1. Open the collections case
2. When a partial payment is detected, a prompt appears
3. Review the payment details:
   • Payment amount
   • Outstanding arrears remaining
   • N4 termination date
4. Select your intent
5. Confirm the decision

The intent is recorded on the case timeline with the payment amount, remaining balance, and your decision.

Choose carefully

Your payment intent decision affects the legal validity of the N4 notice. If you accept a payment and void the N4, you would need to serve a new N4 if arrears continue. Consult a paralegal if unsure.

Full payment during void period

If the tenant pays the full arrears during the void period, the N4 is automatically voided. No payment intent decision is needed — the system handles this automatically and updates the case status.