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Dealing with rent arrears

If you can't pay your rent, you have missed rent payments or you're worried your payments are not being made, sort things out as soon as you can. Even if you have other debts, make sure you prioritise rent arrears.

Things to do to help you get back on track

Remember that once your rent is being paid in full again, the arrears that have built up will still have to be paid off.

• Find out more about prioritising your debts

• Find out more about dealing with debt problems

Arrears caused by Housing Benefit problems

Sometimes, rent arrears arise as a result of problems with claiming and processing Housing Benefit and other entitlements. If your Housing Benefit hasn't been paid, contact your local council to find out what's happening. There could be a backlog, or the council might need more information to deal with your claim. Do seek advice from your landlord or an independent adviser who may be able to assist you with making a claim; incomplete paperwork will hold up your claims. Tell your landlord what's going on and keep any correspondence.

• Find your local council

Help with paying your rent

If you're on a low income, or having financial problems, check if you qualify for any benefits - such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or tax credits. You don't have to be out of work to claim benefits and you could qualify for more than one.

Even if you already receive Housing Benefit, if it doesn't cover your rent you may be able to get some extra money - called 'discretionary housing payment'. Contact your local council to see if you qualify.

You should also consider seeking advice from a debt advice agency, which should be able to advise you on how to maximise your benefits and about any additional benefits you may be able to claim. They may also be able to assist you with filling out the forms and ensuring that any claims are not held up by incomplete paperwork.

• Find out if you qualify for benefits

• Find out more about Council Tax Benefit

• Find out more about Housing Benefit

• Find your local council

What can happen if you don't pay your rent

Landlords usually have the right to seek a court order to evict you for rent arrears. In certain circumstances your landlord may be able to evict you without the need to obtain a court order first.

The rules about when and how a landlord may evict you for rent arrears differ according to the type of tenancy agreement you have. The type of tenancy agreement you have will depend partly on who your landlord is.

To find out more about how different types of tenancy agreement affect what happens if you don't pay your rent visit the links below, or seek free, independent advice (see 'Help and advice' below).

• Find out about types of private tenancy agreements Opens new window

• Find out about types of council tenancy agreement Opens new window

Help and advice

You can get free, independent advice about rent difficulties from several organisations.

Housing advice centres

Housing advice centres offer help with all housing matters. They're run by local authorities or voluntary organisations.

• Find a housing advice centre Opens new window

Shelter

Shelter offers face-to-face, phone, email and online advice about any housing problems (not just homelessness).

• Contact details for Shelter

• Shelter email advice service Opens new window

• Housing advice from Shelter Opens new window

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

The CAB offers free, confidential advice face-to-face or by phone. Most CABs also offer home visits, and some give email advice.

• Find your local CAB Opens new window

National Debtline

National Debtline is a free, confidential service offering independent advice about dealing with debt. You can get information online or by calling the free helpline.

• Contact National Debtline Opens new window

• Visit the National Debtline website Opens new window

More useful links

• Shelter guide to rent arrears Opens new window

• Help with PDFs

• Facts about eviction from National Debtline Opens new window

• Evictions - private renting (home and community section)

• Private renting - problems and disputes (home and community section)

• Rent, arrears and evictions - council and housing association tenants (home and community section)

Useful contacts

• Money, tax and benefits contacts