Falling behind on rent can put your home at risk, so it should be dealt with before most other debts. The good news is that landlords usually prefer an affordable plan to the cost of eviction.
The short answer
- Rent is a priority debt.
- Contact your landlord early and offer an affordable plan.
- Check you’re claiming Universal Credit housing costs or Housing Benefit.
- Ask your council about Discretionary Housing Payments.
- If you get a notice or court papers, get advice immediately. Don’t ignore them.
What should I do first?
- Work out what you can afford using a budget.
- Contact your landlord or housing association and offer to pay your rent plus something towards the arrears.
- Check your benefits. A Discretionary Housing Payment from your council can help with shortfalls.
- Put the agreement in writing.
Can my landlord evict me for arrears?
Your landlord must follow the legal process, including serving the correct notice and getting a court order. Only court bailiffs can carry out an eviction. Shelter’s helpline and your council’s housing team can help if you receive a notice.
Can rent arrears go into a debt solution?
Arrears can be included in an IVA, DRO or bankruptcy. But including them doesn’t always stop a landlord seeking possession for the arrears on your current home, so get advice first. See renting with an IVA.
Common questions
How much rent arrears before eviction?
For many assured tenancies, a mandatory ground applies at two months’ arrears, but the rules depend on your tenancy type. Get advice as soon as you fall behind.
Can rent arrears be taken from Universal Credit?
Yes. Landlords can ask for deductions from your UC to pay arrears, usually capped as part of the overall deduction limit.
Do rent arrears affect my credit file?
They can if the landlord gets a CCJ, or if your rent payments are reported to credit reference agencies.
Getting help
You don’t have to deal with debt on your own. Free, impartial advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange and National Debtline. If you want to talk through whether a formal solution such as an IVA could be suitable, you can also get in touch with us.