Current Tenancy Arrears
Arrears is the term we use for money you have failed to pay us. If you owe us rent, act quickly. If you don't you risk losing your home. Anyone can have money trouble from time to time. If you are having difficulty paying your rent, you must let us know immediately. We will do our best to help you.
If you know you have a rent payment problem, or you have received a letter from us about your rent, you should contact your Area Housing Office| immediately. We will show you an up-to-date statement of your recent rent payments, discuss your arrears with you and give you advice including how to apply for benefits.
If you are unable to pay the amount you owe in full we can enter into an agreement with you on how you will pay it off gradually. This will involve paying an extra amount in addition to your rent over a period of time until the debt is paid off.
We can refer you to our debt advice|
How will the Council manage my arrears?
Early stage. If you do not contact us about your arrears or do not keep to a repayment agreement, we will send you a reminder letter. If you do not respond your Housing Officer will visit you at home.
Serious stage. If you do not respond to the visit or fail to contact us or make an agreed payment, we will send you (and anyone over 16 years whom we know is living with you) a notice of proceedings for recovery of possession. This will be given to you by a housing officer or sent by recorded delivery (you sign saying you have received it).
Court stage. If you still do not contact us, we will take court action. If you do not try to clear or reduce your arrears the court is likely to allow us to make you leave your home. If we go to court:
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you will have to pay the court costs if the court believes you to be in the wrong (about £300)
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you will still have to pay us what you owe us
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you and your family could be made to leave your home.