Struggling to pay your rent

We understand that budgeting on a low income can be a challenge and that sometimes changes in circumstances can cause financial difficulties. We aim to treat anyone experiencing financial difficulties sympathetically and fairly.

If you are seeking financial support but cannot find the information you need on our website, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

What should I do if I’m having financial difficulties?

  • Contact us, we’ll endeavour do all we can to help you. The sooner we know about any problems, the easier it is for us to help you
  • Don’t ignore the problem - it won’t just go away
  • Don't jump into high cost credit, consider other options like your local Credit Union (click here for more information)
  • If you think you may be entitled to housing benefit, apply. Give all the information needed to assess your claim, or your payment could be delayed
  • Get a receipt for completed forms or letters you have completed – especially about your Housing Benefit claim
  • Keep us up-to-date with information about your benefit claims
  • If you have made a claim for Universal Credit DON’T forget to add in your rent to claim Housing Costs
  • If you are behind on your rent, make an agreement with us to pay off any arrears at a rate you can afford - and stick to it
  • Get independent advice - see the below places who can help, or visit our support directory
Citizen Advice - give you free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice on a wide range of subjects.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk or 03444 111 444
Samaritans - Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
www.samaritans.org or 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
The Money Advice Service -  Free and impartial money advice, set up by government
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or 0800 138 7777 or WhatsApp +44 7701 342744
Step Change - Free, confidential and expert debt advice and money guidance
www.stepchange.org or 0800 138 1111
Westcountry Savings and Loans. - Don’t resort to loan sharks or high cost lenders if you are having money worries, please talk to our partner Credit Union. They can also talk to you about starting to save when things are back on track.
www.westcountry.org.uk or 0800 304 7041 or 03300 563994.
Homemaker South West - One to one money advice service, providing help with benefits, debts and other money issues.
Please contact Cornerstone to be referred for free advice.
www.homemakersw.org.uk

What happens if I’m in rent arrears?

We take rent arrears very seriously, so if you fall behind with rent we will take prompt, helpful but firm action. We will give you as much help as possible to sort out the problem.

We will ask you to clear your arrears straight away. If for some reason this isn’t possible, we will agree on repayments that take into account your income and commitments each week/month. This agreement will be confirmed in writing. As long as you keep to the agreement, we won’t take any further action.

We can also put you in touch with agencies that specialise in debt advice. They give advice on benefits and other ways of increasing income or reducing outgoings.

Failing to keep an agreement could ultimately result in you losing your home. Whilst there are unfortunately times when we have to take this action, we do not want to reach this stage, so please co-operate with us to allow you to stay in your home.