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If you having trouble paying your rent, or you're worried about paying your rent
in the future,
there are things you should do straight away. First of all
contact your landlord. Let them know that you're going to be late with the rent
and ask for some extra time to pay.
They'll prpbably want to know what you're planning to do to get things under control.
If you don't already have a household budget now's the time to draw one up.
If you discover that you don't have enough money coming in to keep up with
your bills and other spending,
you'll have to look at increasing your income, cutting your spending,
or both.
If the reason you're struggling with your rent is because your Housing
Benefit has been reduced,
you may be able to apply to your council for help.
They have a pot of money they can use to help some people in the short term,
if their Housing Benefit doesn't cover all their rent.
Contact your local council to find out how to apply for a payment.
Perhaps your rent has always been paid for you but you've been told you'll have
to start paying your landlord yourself.
Remember it's your responsibility to pay the rent in full
and on time. Make sure your rent is your top priority
and don't be tempted to dip into it for spending on other things.
It's a good idea to ask your landlord if you can rearrange the day you pay your
rent
so that it comes just after you've been paid. Then set up a Direct Debit or a
standing order it so that your rent goes straight out to your account.
Your landlord will be able to help you with this.
If you don't want to use a Direct Debit you could always set up a separate bank
account just for your rent.
Or perhaps look at using an account that lets you keep your rent and bills
money separate from your spending money.
If you've already gone into rent arrears you must speak to your landlord
straight away.
Whatever you do, don't ignore the problem. If you do,
it'll only get worse.
Speaking to your landlord will show them that you make an effort to sort out the
problem.
They may offer you help and support and you might be able to come to an
arrangement with them
where you pay off the money you owe bit by bit.
If you want advice about rent arrears or your landlord is threatening you with
eviction,
contact Shelter or the Citizens Advice Service for help and advice.
For more about how to manage your household budget
and set up a Direct Debit or standing order for your rent payment,
watch our other videos and go to our website.