Help With Rent
Unpaid rent is known as “rent arrears”. Priority debts are debts that come with serious consequences. Because of the risk of losing your home, rent arrears are clearly considered priority debts.
You must resolve your issues ASAP if you think your rent payments are not being made, you have missed some of your rent payments, or you are unable to pay your rent. Rent arrears should be considered more important than other debts you might have.
You may qualify for benefits (i.e. Council Tax Benefits, Housing Benefits, tax credits) if you are experiencing financial difficulties or have a very low income. It is not necessary to be unemployed to get benefits, and you may qualify for multiple benefits.
If your Housing Benefit does not cover your rent, more money might be available in the form of “discretionary housing payments.” Call the local council to find out if you are qualified.
A debt agency may be a good source for advice on maximizing benefits and finding more benefits. Additionally, they might help you to be sure claims aren’t held up by incomplete paperwork. They can fill out the forms with you to be sure everything is correct and complete.
If you are in arrears with your rent, your landlord probably has the right to get a court order to throw you out. Sometimes a landlord can evict a tenant without getting a court order.
Depending upon the type of lease you have, rules regarding how and when your landlord may evict you may vary. Landlords ultimately determine much of how a tenancy agreement works.
There are a number of organizations that will give you independent advice regarding rent problems free of charge.
1. A housing advice center can help with any housing issue. Local authorities and/or voluntary organizations operate these.
2. Shelter helps with housing problems – including homelessness – in person, over the phone, through online chat or email.
3. Free confidential advice over the phone or in person is offered by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The majority of CABs will give advice by e-mail or visit you in your home.
4. If you want a free and independent service focused on confidentially helping you with your debt, consider National Debtline. You can call a free helpline or go online to find information.
Here is the most valuable information you can gain. Do not simply sit back and let things happen!
