Rent arrears with the council or a housing association
When you miss rent payments, the debt you owe is called rent arrears.
If you have rent arrears, talk to the council or housing association. Explain why you’ve missed any payments and what you can afford.
Help the council or housing association must give you
The council or housing association must give you advice and clear information about what you owe. They must help you:
- try to agree a repayment plan to pay back the arrears
- tell you how to claim benefits you are entitled to
- give you information about getting money and debt advice
- give you time to apply for benefits or stick to a repayment plan
Housing associations must also encourage you to contact the local council for help.
Applying for benefits
You could qualify for benefits to increase your income and help pay your rent.
Use the turn2us benefits calculator to check what you’re eligible for.
Universal Credit
If you're on a low income, Universal Credit can pay all or part of your rent. How much you’ll get depends on your income.
Apply for Universal Credit on GOV.UK.
Housing Benefit
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you're either:
- of state pension age
- living in sheltered, supported, or temporary housing
Check how to apply for Housing Benefit.
Discretionary Housing Payment
You could qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment if your other benefits do not cover all your rent.
For example, if you’re affected by the benefit cap or the bedroom tax.
Check how to apply for Discretionary Housing Payment.
Applying for a Council Tax reduction
If you meet certain criteria, you could get a Council Tax reduction or exemption. This can help you pay your rent.
Check if you’re eligible to pay less Council Tax.
Being evicted for rent arrears
You can be evicted if you have rent arrears.
The council or housing association must follow certain steps before evicting you and follow specific rules to evict you legally.