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Dealing with rent arrears
If you can't pay your rent, you have missed rent payments or you're worried your payments are not being made, sort things out as soon as you can. Even if you have other debts, make sure you prioritise rent arrears.
Things to do to help you get back on track
· make a list of all your debts and put them in order of priority
· write down all your income and expenses - then see how much you've got to pay your debts
· check if your are claiming all the benefits and entitlements you are eligle for
· work out how much you can afford to pay to each creditor (a person or organisation you owe money to)
· consider seeking advice fro debt advice agency such as National Debtline
· Try to reach an agreement about paying off the arrears, but don't agree to pay more than you can afford. One way to do this is through an arrears agreement.
Remember that once your rent is being paid in full again, the arrears that have built up will still have to be paid off.
National Debtline
National Debtline offers free, confidential and independent help over the phone for people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can call their helpline and also download publications from their website.
0808 808 4000
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 9.00 pm,
Saturday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
CCCS provides free, independent and impartial debt advice and free debt solutions, including debt management plans and IVAs, to people living in the UK. They operate a freephone helpline and an online service - CCCS Debt Remedy.
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Payplan
Payplan provides free advice to people living in the UK on debt and budgeting, including free debt management plans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements) without upfront fees.
0800 716 239
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 9.00 pm,
Saturday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Community Legal Advice (CLA)
If you qualify for legal aid and live in England or Wales, CLA can provide free help or legal advice over the phone for problems with debt, housing, employment, education and welfare benefits and tax credits.
0845 345 4 345
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 6.30 pm
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
Your local CAB is a good place to find free advice. They provide free information and advice on legal, money and other problems. You can find your local CAB in the phone book or on their website.
Shelter
Shelter offers free confidential advice on housing, debt, welfare benefits, care and health needs (including disability rights and entitlements).
0808 800 4444 if you want general advice.
www.england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice
AdviceUK
AdviceUK is a network of independent advice centres for people living in England, Scotland and Wales. To find your nearest member agency, visit the AdviceUK website or call.
020 7407 4070
Law Centres
If you're being threatened with legal action, and you're eligible for Legal Aid support, you may wish to seek free and independent advice from your local Law Centre.
www.lawcentres.org.uk/centres.html
Finally
Martin Lewis provides a website to help people save money. On this website there is a booklet called Mental Health and Debt, it discusses issues that arise when people are struggling with debts. You can download a copy by clicking this link.
http://images.moneysavingexpert.com/images/attachment/mentalhealthguide.pdf
