What happens if you owe rent?
If you are having difficulty paying your rent, let us know straight
away to see how we can help.If you are having difficulties:
- We can negotiate agreements to make realistic
and affordable payments to clear your arrears and avoid further
action.
- We can refer you to specialist advisors who
offer free independent advice on debt and money management. To find
out more please contact us.
- Free debt advice is available from the
National Debt Line.
- For advice about benefits and help looking
for work contact Directgov or contact your local Job Centre Plus
office.
But you need to move fast! If you don't tell
us you've got a problem, or if you don't keep to an agreement to
pay off the debt, we could take legal action. And that could lead
to eviction. While we view eviction as a last resort and would
rather help residents to keep their homes there is a statutory duty
to collect all rent due and when all else fails we do
evict residents who have not paid their rent. If you are
evicted for rent arrears, the council or other local authorities
may have no obligation to re-house you, even if you have a
family.
If we take legal action against you
because you owe rent, you may be liable for court costs. If legal
action results in a County Court Judgement against your name it may
affect whether you can get credit or a loan. A judgement of
this kind remains against your name indefinitely.
Owing rent may also prevent a transfer,
homeswap, Right to Buy application and ability to rent a garage,
car space or store shed or to take out household insurance
through the council’s home insurance scheme.
If you have a question about owing rent
or need further help, please contact
us.
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