What happens if I do not pay my rent?

The following process applies to Secure Tenancies.

If you hold any other type of tenancy with Stroud District Council you are advised to contact your Rent Officer for advice as soon as you think you are not going to be able to pay your rent.

If you do not pay your rent you could lose your home. Stroud District Council will keep you informed if you miss any payments. The following gives a guide to the action Stroud District Council will take to recover any rent arrears.

Home improvements will be refused if you have outstanding Rent Arrears

Reminder Letter

If you miss a rent payment or are paying less than you should, you will receive a reminder letter asking you to make up the payments. At this point, if for any reason you cannot do this, you must contact your Rent Officer immediately. Visit our Rent Officer page for more information on how to contact us.

If you owe rent, it will affect your priority for a transfer.

Second Reminder

If after the first reminder you do not pay your arrears, or if your arrears continue to rise, you will be sent a second letter. This will again ask you to pay your arrears or contact your Rent Officer. If we don't hear from you immediately on receipt of the letter, we will serve a "Notice of Seeking Possession" on you. Visit our Rent Officer page for more information on how to contact us.

Notices

If your arrears still remain unpaid, then you will be served with a notice explaining that Stroud District Council intends to commence legal proceedings to gain possession of your home. Visit our Rent Officer page for more information on how to contact us.

Possession Order

If the matter is referred to court, the Council will apply for a "Possession Order". You will be informed of any court date by letter. At court you may be given a "Postponed Possession Order", (secure tenants only) which means you must pay off your arrears by making a weekly/fortnightly or monthly payment, additional to your rent, as well as being charged court costs which are at present about £230.

In some circumstances the Council may ask for an outright possession order, (in all cases if you have a non-secure tenancy) in which case the Council will be able to take possession of your home within a specified time.

If a County Court Judgement (CCJ) is made against you, this may affect your ability to get credit in the future, including a mortgage, credit card or loan.

How can I contact the court?

You can:-

Visit the court office at; Combined Court Building,
1 Kimbrose Way Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2DE.
Write to the court at the address above, if you are replying to something the court has sent to you please remember to quote their reference on your letter
Telephone the court on 01452 529351

Further information is available on Her Majesty's Court Service Website

Warrant of Eviction

After a "Possession Order" is granted the Council will apply for a "Warrant" to evict you from your home. This is a last resort if all other attempts to recover the arrears have failed. You will be notified of the date of eviction. You have the right to apply to have the Warrant suspended (only if you are a secure tenant).