Having difficulty paying rent

If you are having difficulty paying your rent, get advice as soon as possible. Even a small amount of arrears can often be difficult to pay off, especially if you are in receipt of benefits or on a low income. Contact us before we contact you. To find out details for your Rent Officer please visit our Rent Officer Contact page they will be able to help you with advice and support, or email us at; housing.rents@stroud.gov.uk

Receiving help with your rent

There are a variety of benefits you may be able to claim which can help you with paying your rent, even if you are working. In the first place, contact your Rent Officer, if they cannot help you they will be able to refer you to someone who can.

Arrangements

If, at any point, you are in rent arrears and cannot pay them all off at once, you must contact your Rent Officer as soon as possible. They can be contacted by telephone, letter or in person and tenants can request a home visit. Arrangements can be made to pay off arrears in instalments according to your circumstances. The important thing is that once an arrangement is made, it should be kept.

Benefits

Some tenants will be in receipt of benefits, which will cover some or all of the rent. It is the tenant’s own responsibility to make sure that all forms and supporting information are provided on time and that you make sure the benefit gets paid. It is not the responsibility of your Rent Officer to make sure it gets paid nor that it continues to be paid. Please note that if you do not ensure you pay your rent or ensure that benefits get paid, then the process listed below will apply.

Useful Links

• What happens if I do not pay my rent?
• Rent Officer Contact Page
• Council Tax and Benefit Page
• Citizens Adivce Buraeu Website