Rent arrears

If you are in financial difficulty and you are falling behind with your rent, it is best to seek assistance as soon as possible to reduce the risk of your arrears increasing. 

Contact the council

We will be able to look at solutions to prevent your arrears from causing you to become homeless.  

This could include referring you for debt advice or putting you in touch with organisations that can help you manage your budget. All advice will be tailored to your own personal situation. 

Contact your landlord

Most landlords are committed to helping tenants who are struggling. If they do not hear from you and they are aware that you have not made a payment, they are more likely to start legal action for repossession of your home.  

If you find speaking to your landlord difficult we can talk to them on your behalf.  

We will be able to advise you of your rights and in certain circumstances we can negotiate an affordable payment plan. We can also attend court with you if you have a possession hearing.

Your landlord can get your Universal Credit housing element paid directly to them. They can do this online, or just come and speak to one of our Housing team who will be able to help them do this.  

Maximise your income

We can help by:

• checking that you are claiming all the welfare benefits that you are entitled to
• looking at options to increase your income and reduce your expenditure
• clearing your rent arrears by prioritising your debts  
• creating a basic income and expenditure statement and use this to negotiate an affordable payment plan with your landlord 

Capitalise your arrears

You can ask your landlord to add your arrears to the rent. This will increase the monthly payment but will clear the arrears.  

Downsize your home

It may be an option to downsize your home to one with a lower rent.

If you need help finding a rental property, please contact us.