Keeping your rent up to date
If you fall behind with payments
If you fall into arrears, we can help you find solutions, but only if you contact us and tell us what is happening.
We always deal firmly with non-payment of rent and service charges. We rely on rent and service charge income to pay for the management, maintenance, caretaking and communal services you receive – as well as for new building and refurbishments. If you know in advance that your income will decrease or your expenses will go up, contact us straight away. The earlier you contact us, the better. We can arrange to visit you at home if you need us to.
If you don't contact us, or if you cannot keep to an acceptable repayment plan, we will serve you with a notice warning you of our right to take you to court. If you still do not contact us, or you cannot repay the arrears in an acceptable timescale, we will take you to court for possession of the property. If you fail to repay after an order for possession, you must contact us immediately – as we can authorise court bailiffs to evict you.
Other debts?
If you are struggling with debts, the sooner you face your problems and start working to resolve them, the better. Don't ignore the problem – it won't go away and will probably get worse if you leave it. Speak to your income officer as soon as possible. They will be able to help you compare your weekly/monthly income with your expenditure, and may identify a benefit or tax credit you didn't know you could claim.
Once you have done this, you can talk to your creditors and discuss affordable repayments.
Do remember that rent should be a top priority. You can get independent, free advice from:
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
Tel: 0800 138 1111 local rate call
(Open Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm)
National Debt Helpline
Tel: 0808 808 4000
(Open Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 9.30am-1pm)
For any further information or advice, please contact your local income officer.
Keeping your rent up-to-date
It is never too late to contact us. We may be able to help you keep up your rent or service charge payments and avoid further action being taken. Call our Customer Services Team on 0845 601 5042.