Owe rent?

We understand the problems of getting by on a limited budget, so we're ready to help you sort things out.

You don't always have to pay off what you owe all at once - we can work out a plan for you to pay off the arrears in regular amounts you can afford – and we can check you're getting the right benefits.

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 will take legal action. And that could mean eviction.

We view eviction as a last resort and would rather help residents to keep their homes; but there is a statutory duty to collect all rent due.

It is your responsibility to pay your rent on time. If you pay your rent regularly and on time, you also apply for other services like renting a garage, store shed, or car parking space and good value home insurance.

This page tells you how we deal with tenants who owe rent, and what you can do to avoid action being taken.

We take rent arrears very seriously.

While every consideration is given to residents who are having genuine difficulty our first priority is to collect all rent due so we can provide the services you need.

This means that 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.

FAQ's about owing rent

If you have a question about owing rent, or need further help, please use our online enquiry form, or get in touch with your Rent Arrears Team.

Useful Links

• Housing benefit - contact the housing benefit section (links to Tower Hamlets council's website)
• Advice agencies - contact numbers for local advice agencies