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Checking the amount

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland

It's important to check with your landlord how much they think you owe, in case you disagree.

How can I find out how much I owe?

If you don’t have a rent book, ask your landlord for a statement of your rent account from the date when the rent arrears are supposed to have started.

Rent usually only covers the amount your landlord charges for living in the property, but sometimes it can include other things such as bills and service charges. Ask your landlord how much of what you owe is rent and how much is for other services. Your tenancy agreement may also outline what 'rent' includes and what it does not include.

Check that the amount your landlord says you owe is correct. In particular:

Have all the payments you have made been recorded?
Are you responsible for paying the full amount that is owed, or should someone else be paying part of it? Bear in mind that joint tenants are normally jointly and severally’ liable’ for rent payments, so if one joint tenant moves out, the other(s) may become liable for her/his share.
Has any rent you had to pay in advance been taken into account?
Has everything been added up correctly?

What if I am claiming housing benefit?

If you claim housing benefit then you are still personally responsible for making sure your rent is paid and for any arrears you have. This is the case even if there are delays or if your payments are going directly to your landlord.

What if I live in shared accommodation?

If yours is the only name on the tenancy agreement, then you are responsible for paying the whole of the rent. If you have a joint tenancy agreement , then each tenant is equally liable for paying the rent. If one joint tenant does not pay, then the other tenants are responsible for paying her/his share as well as their own.