As a tenant you are responsible for paying your rent to your landlord on time. This is the same as for tenants who do not get benefit.
If you do not pay your rent your landlord may apply to us to have your benefit paid to them. Or they may take other action to recover their money, including evicting your from your home.
Eviction means that:
- You will lose your home.
- Your benefit may not be paid to you in the future.
- You may have difficulty finding new accommodation, as your landlord is unlikely to give you a reference.
- You will still have to pay the landlord the money you owe and possibly extra money to cover any court costs.
- An application for re-housing could be affected as you may be considered to have made yourself intentionally homeless.
Help with managing your money and debt
If you are concerned about managing your money or you have debts, try not to worry, but do not ignore your problem - it won't go away. If you cannot pay your rent because of money problems you may be evicted from your home. You must ask for help.
There are many organisations that can give you advice about debt and money problems. Some are listed below:
| Organisation | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Age UK | Age UK website Email: Visit website |
| Citizens Advice Oxford | Citizens Advice Oxford offer advice on debt problems and a very wide range of other money and non-money topics. The Oxford Citizens Advice Bureau is located at 95 St Aldate's, Oxford. Visit the Citizens Advice Oxford website for contact details and opening times. |
| StepChange Debt Charity | Free debt advice is available from StepChange Debt Charity. Their services are impartial, confidential and free of charge. Phone: 0800 1381111 Address: StepChange Debt Charity, Wade House, Merrion Centre, Leeds |
| Debt Advice Foundation | Debt Advice Foundation Phone: 0800 043 40 50 |
| Money Helper | The Money Helper website provides a free financial health check service. This can help you work out your financial priorities and make decisions about your money. |
| National Debtline | This is a telephone-based service and is a national helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. They will discuss debt problems with you and explain the options available to you. National Debtline website Phone: 0808 808 4000 Address: National Debtline, Tricorn House, 51-53 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8TP |
| Payplan | Payplan provide free debt advice and management. Payplan website Email: help@payplan.com Phone: 0800 917 7823 Address: Payplan Ltd, Kempton House, Dysart Road, Grantham, NG31 7LE |
