Breathing space for rent or mortgage arrears
Standard breathing space
Standard breathing space lasts up to 60 days. You can only get it once a year.
You need to:
work with a debt adviser to find long term ways to deal with debts
report any changes to them, such as if you get a new job
Table: Overview of standard breathing space
| Common questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| How long does it last? | 60 days |
| How often can you use the scheme? | Once a year |
| How do you apply? | Through a debt adviser |
| Do you have to work with a debt adviser while on the scheme? | Yes |
| Do you have to pay your rent or mortgage while on the scheme? | Yes, if you can |
You can only have another breathing space if 12 months have passed since your last one ended.
How to get a standard breathing space
You need to be referred to the scheme by a debt adviser.
Find a debt adviser
Only a regulated debt adviser can put you on the breathing space scheme.
Regulated means someone who is allowed to give specialist debt help.
You need to give details of your income, spending and debts.
This helps the adviser work out if breathing space is the right thing for you.
You could use a debt advice charity, for example:
StepChange Debt Charity
0800 138 1111Citizens Advice
0800 240 4420National Debtline
0808 808 4000
Or you could use a debt management company. For example:
Check that the company have regulated debt advisers who give you free help.
How long standard breathing space lasts
Breathing space lasts up to 60 days.
The adviser reviews your situation after around 30 days. They can cancel the breathing space if you do not stay in contact or give them enough information.
Example of how breathing space can stop an eviction
Jo has a secure council tenancy and £1500 rent arrears.
They also owe money on gas, electricity and council tax. They have credit card debts that they cannot pay.
The council have applied for bailiffs to evict Jo because of the rent arrears.
Jo speaks to a debt adviser and is put onto the breathing space scheme.
The council cannot evict Jo during the 60 days of breathing space.
The adviser helps Jo to make a repayment plan for the rent arrears and other debts.
The council accept the plan. Jo can stay as long as they keep to the repayment plan.
Last updated: 5 September 2024
