Tenants guide
Contents
Rent arrears
If you have got into arrears with your rent payments you should always try to negotiate with your landlord or agent. Private landlords may let you stay if problems can be sorted out.
You should:
- let your landlord know you'll pay what you owe as soon as you can
- tell your landlord you are getting advice.
- explain any missed rent payments if you can
Do not ignore letters from your landlord or agent.
Prioritise your rent
Rent is a priority payment. Rent arrears where you live are a priority debt. You're at higher risk of eviction if you miss payments.
Try to:
- pay your rent in full and on time
- agree a repayment plan with your landlord
Welfare officer support
We have a money advisor and welfare officer who can help you to budget, organise your debts and negotiate with your landlord.
They type of help and advice offered is
- communicating with landlords or mortgage lenders
- preparing for court
- what happens during and after a court hearing
and help dealing with:
- rent arrears and mortgage payments
- advice on benefits available including tax credits
- housing affordability
- debt management and resolution (especially when it begins to affect your housing)
- money advice
- budgeting
- maximising income
- negotiation with creditors
If you are not yet in arrears but are struggling with your money you could contact the Citizen’s advice bureau for help with budgeting.
Check your benefits
You can usually get universal credit if you're working age and on a low income. Universal credit includes a housing element to help with your rent. You can ask the DWP to pay your rent element directly to your landlord if you owe at least 2 months' rent.
Apply for discretionary housing payments
Discretionary housing payments (DHPs) are extra payments from our Housing Benefit Team to help with a shortfall in your rent if you get universal credit or housing benefit.
It is usually a short term payment made for a few weeks or months whilst you resolve financial issues.
Find out more about the Discretionary Housing Payment application
Deductions from your benefits
Your landlord can ask for additional money to be taken from your universal credit (UC) if you owe at least 2 months' rent.
You can ask the DWP to take less money from your universal credit each month if your deductions are too high and are affecting your ability to afford other essential costs.
Money taken from other benefits to pay rent arrears
The DWP can take money from other benefits, such as pension credit or employment and support allowance (ESA) to pay off rent arrears. The most that can be taken from these benefits is £4.25 a week. The money is paid straight to your landlord. You or your landlord can ask for this if you owe at least 4 weeks' rent, and the arrears have built up over at least 8 weeks.
Make sure you seek help
Do not allow things to get worse or ignore problems. If your income or personal situation has changed you might be eligible for welfare support.
The Entitled to website has an online calculator to help you to understand what support you might be able to access. Have your current income details ready.
Talk to family or friends you trust. They may be able to help. If other adults live with you, explain your money problems. Ask if they can contribute more towards household costs.
Do not feel pressured into moving out immediately even if you have rent arrears, especially if you have nowhere to move to. Eviction is a legal process and takes time.
Further support with money matters
Money matters
Money Helper website
Contact our Housing Options team
Contact our housing options team on 0300 123 5017 (option 1) or email housingoptions@cheshireeast.gov.uk at your earliest opportunity if you are struggling with your rent. It is much easier to help you if we know about your problems earlier.
Page last reviewed: 22 May 2024
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