Worried About Paying Your Rent?

Worried about paying your rent?

If you’re having trouble paying your rent, or you’re worried about paying your rent in the future, there are things you should do straight away.

First of all, contact your landlord. Let them know that you’re going to be late with the rent and ask for some extra time to pay.

They’ll probably want to know what you’re planning to do to get things under control. If you don’t already have a household budget, now’s the time to draw one up.

If you discover that you don’t have enough money coming in to keep up with your bills and other spending, you’ll have to look at: increasing your income, cutting your spending, or both.

If the reason you’re struggling with your rent is because your Housing Benefit has been reduced, you may be able to apply to your council for help.

They have a pot of money they can use to help some people in the short term if their Housing Benefit doesn’t cover all of their rent.

Contact your local council to find out how to apply for a payment.

Perhaps your rent has always been paid for you but you’ve been told you’ll have to start paying your landlord yourself.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to pay the rent in full and on time. Make sure your rent is your top priority and don’t be tempted to dip into it for spending on other things.

It’s a good idea to ask your landlord if you can re-arrange the day you pay your rent so that it comes just after you’ve been paid.

Then set up a Direct Debit or a standing order so that your rent goes straight out of your account. Your landlord will be able to help you with this.

If you don’t want to use a Direct Debit, you could always set up a separate bank account just for your rent. Or perhaps look at using an account that lets you keep your rent and bills money separate from your spending money.

If you’ve already gone into rent arrears, you must speak to your landlord straight away. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem. If you do, it will only get worse.

Speaking to your landlord will show them that you’re making an effort to sort out the problem. They may offer you help and support. And you might be able to come to an arrangement with them where you pay off the money you owe bit by bit.

If you want advice about rent arrears, or your landlord is threatening you with eviction, contact Shelter, or the Citizens Advice service for help and advice.

For more about how to manage your household budget and set up a Direct Debit or standing order for your rent payment, watch our other videos and go to our website.