If you are struggling to pay your council rent, please contact us immediately. We want to help you find a solution and protect your home. Getting advice early prevents debt from becoming unmanageable.
How we can help you
If you are falling behind, here are some ways we can assist:
- agree an affordable repayment plan to clear your arrears
- offer different payment methods and schedules, such as monthly payments via Direct Debit
- provide practical support with your Universal Credit claim
- direct you to independent local advice agencies
Ring or visit customer services
What happens if you don't pay your council rent
Rent is due every Monday in advance, starting from the day you get your keys. Missing payments breaches your Tenancy Agreement.
If you fall two weeks behind, we will contact you to discuss the issue. If we cannot reach you, or if a repayment agreement fails, we may have to start legal action.
If you stick to a repayment agreement with us, we will usually stop any legal action. If you have an Introductory Tenancy, any rent arrears can lead to immediate legal action.
The legal process
Stage 1: Warning Notice
We will issue a Notice Seeking Possession or Notice of Possession Proceedings. This is a formal warning that we may take you to court if the debt is not resolved.
Stage 2: Court Hearing
If the debt is not paid and no agreement is made, we will apply for a court hearing. It is vital that you attend this hearing to explain your situation to the judge.
The court can order a payment plan that postpones eviction, as long as you stick to it.
A court hearing may impact your credit rating and add court costs to your debt.
Stage 3: Eviction
If you fail to follow a Court Order, we can apply for a Bailiff's warrant to evict you. We will always try to speak with you before doing this.
If you are evicted for not paying rent, you may be classified as intentionally homeless, which makes it much harder to get council housing in the future.
Court amendments (a Variation Order) may incur extra costs.
Other legal options
If agreements fail, we may:
- deduct payments from your benefits
- claim part of your wages (Attachment of Earnings)
Speak to customer services
If you need to speak to someone about this topic, you can ring or visit our customer service centre.
