Don’t delay – the problem may get worse if you ignore it.

Don’t ignore letters from us about arrears. Contact us so that we can help you find solutions to your money problems.

• 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
  

Where to get advice

There are a range of advice agencies who can provide you with information and support as below.

• Citizens advice bureau – arrange an appointment by phoning the Council’s Contact Centre 020 8430 2000 (Minicom 020 8430 2412) or by visiting any Local Service Centre

• Adviceline Newham on 0845 450 2073 – this service can link you to an appropriate source of advice and trained advisors answer all calls

• Community Links on 020 7473 2270 – this service provides welfare rights and debt advice

• Shelter, the national housing organisation, has information on their web site. Go to

  www.shelter.org.uk
  

• Contact the National Debtline by telephoning 0808 808 4000 or contact them on line at

  http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk They provide free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.

• Contact the Consumer Credit Counselling Service on line at

  http://www.cccs.co.uk or by telephoning 0800 138 1111 (lines are open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm). This organisation provides free, confidential advice. You can obtain immediate debt advice tailored to your situation as well as more general budgeting advice.

• The government also provides advice on how to deal with rent arrears through Directgov. You can view their web page on
http://www.direct.gov.uk/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/fs/en

You will find general advice as well as fact sheets on benefits you might be able to claim.

Frequently asked questions

I have just received a Notice of Seeking Possession. 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 don’t 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 don't pay what the court orders me to pay what will happen?

If a possession order is granted against you, you will lose your secure tenancy. You will become what is known as a "tolerated trespasser". You will lose any rights as a Council tenant including, succession rights, the right to buy, and the right to transfer and exchange. 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're 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 - don't take their word for it.

It's 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.