Reducing rent arrears
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
If you're behind with the rent, it's important to look into all your options before you decide what to do. Debts relating to your home should always be your top financial priority, as you could be evicted if you don’t pay your rent.
Where should I start?
Try to pay as much as you can afford towards your arrears on a regular basis. This will prevent the amount you owe from rising too sharply and will show your landlord that you are making an effort to deal with the problem. It's worth doing this even if you can only afford to pay off a small amount each week.
If you are a council or housing association tenant and are on income support or jobseekers allowance, you or your landlord can ask for an amount to be taken out of those benefits each week towards paying back the arrears. It will mean you have less money to spend, but this may help you to keep your home. Deductions can be made directly from your benefits.
Practical steps to deal with debt
There are a number of steps you can take to deal with debt, these solutions include:
- making a list of your debts and putting them in order of priority – some debts can result in losing your home, your liberty, essential supplies such as gas or electrics and essential goods such as a car which you need to get to work
- work out how much you can afford to pay
- speak to your landlord and try to reach an agreement to pay your debts, through a debt management plan, for example.
See our section on dealing with debt for more information. If you need help, get advice from a Shelter advice service, or use our directory to find an adviser in your area.
What about housing benefit?
If you are not working, or are on a low income, there may be benefits you can claim, such as housing benefit, which could help you pay your rent. If you are working, you may be able to get a tax credit. If you are not sure what benefits you may be eligible for, visit the entitledto website or use our directory to find an adviser in your area.
If you are already claiming housing benefit but your payments are delayed, you may be able to take action to speed up your payments and stop the situation getting worse, for example by asking for a payment on account. If your housing benefit does not cover the whole of your rent and you can't afford the difference, it may be possible for you to apply for extra payments such as discretionary housing payments from the council.
Can I withhold rent because of repair problems?
If you are thinking of doing this, speak to an adviser before you stop paying. You need to follow a special legal procedure. If you simply stop paying without doing so, you could be evicted for arrears.
What if I've got other bills to pay?
If you decide to pay other bills or debts instead of your rent, it could make things worse. Rent should always be your number one priority because if you don't pay it, you could be evicted or taken to court. If you don't pay your council tax, you could end up in court and may have to pay court fees on top of the debt.
It's also important to pay your utility bills (such as your gas and electricity bills) and council tax before you pay credit card or other bills. If your gas or electricity gets cut off, you will have to pay to have them reconnected, as well as any amounts you owe.
Sometimes it is possible to negotiate to reduce the payments you are making towards bills, credit cards or loans. You should ask your utility company, credit card company or lender whether it is possible to pay a smaller amount each month, at least until you have paid off your arrears. An advice centre may be able to help you negotiate with them if they won't agree to do this.
Can I borrow a lump sum to pay off my debts?
If you're thinking of borrowing a lump sum to pay off your arrears and other debts, talk to an independent adviser first. Even if a company says they'll save you money, get a second opinion - don't take their word for it.
It's usually best to avoid companies who advertise that they can reduce your debts down to one monthly payment. They usually charge high interest rates for their services and you may end up paying much more in the long run.
Many of Shelter's face to face advice services can help with debt problems. They may be able to help you to negotiate with those you owe money to and can often help you to reduce your payments and reorganise your spending. Use our directory to find your nearest Shelter service.
How can getting advice help me?
A debt adviser can help you to keep your home, by giving you advice on:
- how to work out your finances
- how to budget, and
- how to reduce payments on other debts.
Working out your finances
A debt adviser can go through your finances with you to see if they can be reorganised to enable you to repay the rent arrears. It may be possible for you to stop the arrears building up any further by reducing your spending or increasing your income so that you can afford to pay your rent.
The National Debtline produces a self-help pack that can be used to work out a personal budget.
Reducing other payments
It may be possible to reduce payments on other debts, or if you have a job, it may be possible to work more hours or ask your employer or trade union for a loan. You might also be entitled to claim benefits.
You should also arrange for a benefit check with a specialist adviser to find out whether you are entitled to any benefits which may help you to pay to your rent.
Your local Citizens Advice may have a specialist debt adviser you can talk to. Alternatively, you can contact the National Debtline or the Consumer Credit Counselling Service.
