Difficulties in paying your rent

There is a lot of information available to help you if you have rent arrears. If you are having problems you should contact us as soon as possible so that we can help you find solutions to your money problems. Do not delay - the problem may get worse if you ignore it.

We will:

• Help you claim housing and council tax benefit if you are on a low income (get an on-line benefits estimate)
• Help you claim other welfare benefits
• Agree a repayment plan with you

If you have other debts or welfare benefits queries, we can tell you where to go for more in depth advice, or arrange for you to see a specialist advisor. There are also a range of advice agencies who can provide you with information and support. See our Advice Organisations in Newham page.


Visit us in person

At any Local Service Centre or at a Rents Team drop in session:

• Monday and Tuesday 1pm to 4 pm at Stratford Local Service Centre, 112 - 118 The Grove, E15 1NS. See a map
• Thursday 9 am to 4 pm and Friday 9 am to 12 pm at Bridge House See a map

Telephone the Temporary Accommodation Rent Service Team on 020 8430 2000

Email the TAS Rents Service

Write to :
Rent Service Team
Temporary Accommodation Team
1st Floor
Bridge House
320 High Street
Stratford
London
E15 1EP


Accessibility
For deaf or hearing impaired clients visit Typetalk
Bridge House interview rooms have an induction loop for hearing aid users

For wheelchair users
Bridge House is wheelchair accessible.

Interpreter services
Language Shop provides interpreting services for the Temporary Accommodation Service


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Frequently asked questions

• I have just received a Notice to Quit. What does it mean and what can I do?
• If I pay could I still be evicted?
• If I do not pay what the court orders me to pay what will happen?
• I have other debts to pay too - what should I do?
• Should I borrow some money to pay my arrears?
• How can getting advice help me?
  
  
  I have just received a Notice to Quit. What does it mean and what can I do?
  This means that you owe rent arrears and that we intend to go to the County Court for a possession order. If you do not contact us and arrange to clear the debt by the date on the Notice, (usually in 28 days' time), the court may grant an order that could lead to your eviction.
  
  
  If I pay could I still be evicted?
  As long as you make payments every week as ordered by the court, in normal circumstances no further action will be taken.
  
  
  If I do not pay what the court orders me to pay what will happen?
  If a possession order is granted against you, you will lose your right to remain in the property. You will have a county court judgement in your name and this will make it difficult for you to get loans, credit cards and a good mortgage reference.
  
  We will be entitled to ask the court to evict you from your home. If you are evicted, you will normally be classed as intentionally homeless. This means that the Council will not re-house you after your eviction. We will still continue, through the County Court, to pursue you for the arrears and court costs that you owe.
  
  
  I have other debts to pay too - what should I do?
  Debts relating to your home should always be your top priority.
  
  We can put you in touch with specialist advisors who will give you impartial advice and help you bring all your debts under control.
  
  
  Should I borrow some money to pay my arrears?
  If you are thinking of borrowing a lump sum to pay off your arrears and other debts, talk to an independent adviser first. Even if a company says they'll save you money, get a second opinion - do not take their word for it.
  
  It is usually best to avoid companies who advertise that they can reduce your debts down to one monthly payment. They usually charge high interest rates for their services, and you may end up paying much more in the long run. A citizens advice bureau can help you for free. They can usually help you to negotiate with those you owe money to, and can often help you to reduce your payments and reorganise your spending.
  
  
  How can getting advice help me?
  A debt adviser can go through your finances with you to see if you can reorganise your money to enable you to repay the rent arrears. It may be possible for you to stop the arrears building up any further by reducing your spending or increase your income so that you can afford to pay your rent.
  
  It may be possible to reduce payments on other debts, or if you have a job, it may be possible to work more hours or ask your employer or trade union for a loan. You might also be entitled to claim benefits.
  
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