Stay on top of your rent with practical support

Paying your rent each month can feel stressful, especially when extra bills or costs crop up.

In 2024, around one in four social housing tenants were behind on their rent, meaning many people are finding it hard to keep up with everyday expenses.

The good news is that with careful planning, clear communication, and access to the right support, you can stay ahead of your rent and keep on top of your finances.

Planning ahead

It’s a good idea to make your rent a priority in your monthly finances, just like the electric or gas bills or essential groceries.

Try to set aside the rent as soon as you get your income. If you can, keep this money in a separate account so it’s not easy to spend on other things.

Using digital tools can help make paying rent easier and setting up a recurring payment can stop you from forgetting due dates. You can set reminders on your phone, email calendar, or budgeting apps.

Building a small safety net is another way to stay on top of your money. Putting aside a little each month for emergencies can help make sure your rent is covered if something unexpected comes up.

You don’t need to save a lot at once. Even adding a little bit each month can quickly build a useful safety cushion.

Communicate early

Life can be unpredictable, and things like losing a job, getting sick, or facing unexpected costs can make it hard to pay your rent on time.

If this happens, let us know as soon as you can. Telling us early makes it easier for us to work with you on a solution, like a payment plan, extra time, or a temporary reduction in rent.

Ignoring the problem usually makes it harder to sort out later, so speaking up quickly is the best way to stay on track.

Where to get help

There are ways to get help if you’re finding it difficult to pay your rent.

It’s worth checking your local council’s website to see what support is available in your area. You can find your local council by visiting www.gov.uk/find-local-council .

Charities such as Trussell Trust and Turn2us can sometimes help with advice, grants, or one-off payments.

Citizens Advice can also give free, impartial guidance on managing money and rent arrears.

If you often struggle to pay your rent, it could mean that your housing costs are more than you can manage.

Our Rent Assist team can work with you to explain what options are available to you. They can put in place a suitable repayment plan for you or refer you to other organisations such as Disability Rights UK for expert benefits advice.

For further information, please call 0300 365 3100 and ask for Rent Assist or speak to your local Neighbourhood team.

You can also seek independent help and advice from:

National Debt Line
0808 808 4000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.
Shelter
0808 800 4444
www.shelter.org.uk

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