Send this page to a friend

Council housing - tenancy rent arrears

Dealing with Rent Arrears

I am behind with my rent - what should I do?

First of all you should contact your local Housing Section and speak to a member of staff. They can discuss any issues with you and sign post you to other agencies like the CAB who can help you.

If you talk to housing staff, the situation can be brought under control at an early stage.

If you receive Income Support, it may be possible to have some of your benefit paid every week direct to the housing section to reduce your debt.

Who else might be able to help me?

Debt counsellors may be able to help you as they can help you look at your incomings and outgoings and agree priorities. They may also write to your creditors, on your behalf, to arrange payment.

The Citizens' Advice Bureau or the Wefare Rights Service can give you more advice about this.

You may be entitled to other benefits or more benefits. Again, the Citizens' Advice Bureau or Welfare Rights Service can give you more advice about this.

What happens if I do not reduce the rent I owe?

We cannot allow a person's rent arrears to carry on unchecked. Repossessing the property (evicting you) may be the only option left.

This, however, is the final option and we will only ever consider this if you refuse to follow a relevant court order or engage with agencies that are trying to assist you.

We will use the following to control rent arrears and reduce the need to evict you.

• Letters - We send out letters promptly when the arrears are low to remind you how much money you owe
• Visits - An officer will visit you if there is no reduction in the arrears. They can give you advice and discuss your options
• Notice of Intention to seek Possession - This is a legal document showing our intention to proceed with court action to gain possession of the property. It is not an eviction notice, it is the first stage of our legal procedure
• Court Orders - The county court grants different orders.
• Immediate Possession
• Withdraw the application
• Adjourn the case to give more time to sort out the situation
• Postpone the order on terms

A certain amount usually has to be paid off the arrears or we can apply for possession of the property.

Other useful information can be found:

How to pay your rent

 

You can contact us

By telephone

01746 713208

By Text message - we will call you back

01746 713208

By email

By letter

Rents Team
Housing & Property Services
Bridgnorth District Council
Westgate
Bridgnorth
WV16 5AA