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Housing and safety

I'm behind on rent

How to stop arrears becoming an eviction, and who will help you for free.

What this means

Rent arrears means you owe rent. It is common and it is fixable more often than people expect, especially early on.

Arrears do not mean you lose your home immediately. A landlord has to follow a legal process, and there are usually points where things can be sorted out.

Talking to your landlord early tends to give you more options, not fewer.

Your options

  • Ask for a repayment arrangement

    Offer a realistic amount on top of your rent, even if it is small. A written, kept-to arrangement is strong evidence that you are dealing with it.

  • Check whether you are missing help with housing costs

    Universal Credit housing element, Housing Benefit in some cases, and Discretionary Housing Payments from your council can all reduce a shortfall. A benefits calculator gives you an estimate.

  • Get free debt advice

    Rent is a priority debt. A free adviser can work out what you can actually afford and speak to creditors for you.

  • Get housing advice if you've had a notice

    If you have received any letter mentioning notice, possession or court, get advice straight away — do not wait for the hearing.

Things you could do today

Small steps only. Add any of them to your plan — or none of them. Nothing is expected of you.

  1. Find out exactly how much you owe rather than guessing.
  2. Write down your income and essential costs so you know what you can genuinely offer.
  3. Send the message below to your landlord or housing officer.
  4. Book free debt advice through MoneyHelper's adviser locator.
  5. Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment if your benefits do not cover your rent.

Information it helps to have ready

  • Your tenancy or rent account reference
  • The current arrears figure
  • Your rent amount and payment dates
  • Your income, including any benefits
  • Any letters or notices you have received

If you do not have some of these, ask anyway — not having everything is not a reason to be turned away.

Words you could borrow

Edit, copy and send these yourself. Nothing is sent from BesideYou.

Message to a landlord or housing officer

Edit anything in [square brackets]. Only include what is true and what you want to share — nothing is sent from here.

What happens next

Most landlords will confirm an arrangement in writing. Keep that message.

If a benefit claim or Discretionary Housing Payment is decided later, tell your landlord — it can change the plan.

If court papers arrive, a housing adviser can often help you keep your home. Attending the hearing matters.

More help

Where this information comes from