Rent arrears

Sometimes life is hard, and you might not be able to pay your rent or fill in benefit forms. Talk to us as soon as possible. We are here to help.

If you miss a rent payment, we will take action. The process becomes more serious the longer you leave it. We want to help you avoid this. Please talk to us as soon as possible. 

Step 1: Letters

• We will send you a letter as soon as you miss a payment. It will ask you to contact us to discuss your options. 
• If you do not pay or get in touch, we will send a second letter a week later. 
• We send these letters early so you can deal with the missed payment before it becomes unmanageable. 

Step 2: Home visit

If you ignore the letters and do not pay, we will visit you at home. 

We will: 

• help you make an affordable payment plan 
• checking you are getting the right benefits 
• help with budgeting and debt advice 
• referrals to Citizens Advice or our Welfare Support Team

Step 3: Legal notice

If you still do not pay or speak to us, we will issue a legal notice. 

This means: 

• we plan to take you to court 
• you may lose your home 
• you will need to pay court costs (currently £450) 
• we must tell everyone in your household over 16 

Step 4: Second visit

We will visit you again after sending the legal notice. We will: 

• talk about how to avoid court 
• offer advice and support 
• help you make a payment plan 

Step 5: Pre-court interview

If you still do not pay or speak to us, we will invite you to a meeting with a Principal Housing Officer. 

We will: 

• assess your situation 
• explore ways to avoid court 
• offer advice and support 

You can bring someone with you, such as a support worker or family member. 

Step 6: Court

If you do not attend the interview or make a payment, we will take you to court. 

The court may: 

• end your tenancy 
• order you to pay the rent owed 
• charge you court costs 

You can attend court and explain your situation. Citizens Advice can help you prepare. 

Step 7: Pre-eviction interview

Before eviction, we will invite you to a final meeting. 

We will: 

• talk about last-minute options 
• give advice on what to do if you become homeless 

You will need to make a substantial payment to stop the eviction. 

Step 8: Eviction

If no resolution is reached, we will carry out the eviction following legal procedures.