Reducing rent arrears

This content applies to England only.

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

Where should I start?

Try to pay as much as possible towards your arrears on a regular basis. This will prevent your arrears 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 a small amount off each week.

If you are a council or housing association tenant and are on income support or jobseekers allowance, your landlord can ask for an amount to be taken out of those benefits each week towards paying back the arrears. This can be done whether or not you agree to it. An amount will usually be taken out directly before you get your benefits, if your rent arrears are sufficiently high. It will mean you have less money to spend but will help to ensure you don't lose your home.

What about housing benefit?

If you 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 able to get, your local Citizens Advice can help you find out. Use our directory to find their details.

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. If your housing benefit is not covering the whole of your rent and you can't afford the difference, it may be possible for you to apply for extra payments from the council.

Can I withhold rent because of repair problems?

If you are thinking of doing this, talk to an adviser about it before you stop paying. You need to follow a special legal procedure. If you simply stop paying without following the correct procedure, 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. Although catalogue and credit card payments are important, they shouldn't come first. You won't lose your home if you delay payment of your catalogue or credit card bills.

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. 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 sometimes 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. A citizens advice bureau can help you for free. They can usually help you to negotiate with those you owe money to and can often help you to reduce your payments and reorganise your spending.

How can getting advice help me?

A debt adviser can go through your finances with you to see if you can reorganise your money 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 increase your income so that you can afford to pay your rent.

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.

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.