Struggling to Pay?

What Should I do if I can't pay my rent?

If you are unable to pay your rent, for any reason you should:

• Contact the hosuing team immediately (CONTACT US)
• If you think you might be entitled to housing benefits, contact the housing benefit team on 0300 1234 105 (option 2)  to make an application
• Seek independent advice on debts, money management, and rent arrears from agencies like the citizens Advice Bureau (03444 99 41 88) or the national Debt Line (0808 808 4000)

DO NOT IGNORE THE PROBLEM, IT WILL NOT GO AWAY!

Help with paying you rent

If you are on a low income, or having financial problems, check if you qualify for any benefits - such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, tax credits or Universal Credit. You don't have to be out of work to claim benefits and you could qualify for more than one. For benefits advice contact the benefits team on 0300 1234 105 (option 2)

You should also consider seeking advice from a debt advice agency, which should be able to advise you on how to maximise your benefits and about any addiitonal benefits you may be able to claim. they may also be able to assist you with filling out the forms and ensuring that any claims are not held by incomplete paperwork.

What can happen if you don't pay your rent?

Landlords usually have the righ to seek a court order to evict you for rent arrears. The rules about when and how a landlord may evict you for rent arrears differ according to the type of tenancy agreement you have. You will either have an introductory, a five year flex, or a secure teancy. 

Introductory tenancy: An introductory tenancy lasts for the first year of a council tenancy (it can be extended if legal action has been takne or if you break any of the tenancy conditions) and the tenant has fewer rights than five year flex or a secure tenant. It is easier for the council to repossess during this introductory period if tenancy conditions are broken or the rent is not paid. However, if the rent is paid and tenancy conditions are compled with, the tenancy will automatically become a Five Year Flex tenant after one year. 

Secure Tenancy: You will remain a secure tenant for as long as you live at the property as your sole or principal home. This tenancy also means that the only way to can be made to give up your home is throguh an Order from the County Court. To get such an Order it must be clear that one of the grounds for possession applies, such as breaking your tenancy agreement.

Arrears caused by Housing Benefit Problems

Sometimes, rent arrears arise as a result of problems with claiming and processing Hosuing Benefit and other entitlements. If your houisng Benegit hasn't been paid, contact the council's benefits teams on 0300 1234 105 (option 2) to find out what is happening. There could be a backlog, or they might need more information to deal with your claim. You must keep in contact with the housing team and advise them of why your rent has not been paid. 

Do seek advice from an independent adviser who may be able to assist you with making a claim; incomplete paperwork will hold up your claim.

Other help & advice