You need to speak to your landlord as soon as you start struggling to pay your rent to explain your circumstances.
Your landlord may be understanding if you explain your circumstances. You can tell them how you plan to solve the problem and pay the rent you owe.
You need to keep paying as much of your rent as you can afford, rather than paying nothing.
If you continue to miss your rent payments, your landlord will be able to seek possession of the property through the courts.
If you have a low income you may be able to get some help to pay your rent.
Why not check out our benefit calculator to see if you qualify.
If all of your rent is not paid by either housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be able to get some help with a Discretionary Housing Payment for a short period of time. This will give you the opportunity to either look for cheaper alternative accommodation or negotiate a lower rent with your landlord. For further information and how to apply
The first thing you should do is contact your lender to discuss your options. They may allow you to take a payment holiday or change the type of mortgage product you have.
Check if you have insurance that will cover your mortgage payments. For example, mortgage payment protection insurance.
Further information and advice can be found on MoneyHelper website:
All money and debt problems can be solved and there are lots of organisations that offer free help.
Your local Citizens Advice can speak to you in person or over the phone about money, debt and benefits.
Christians Against Poverty offers free debt advice and runs money courses in Essex.
The following websites can offer help and advice about how to budget and manage your money:
If you are struggling to pay your rent or mortgage because you are out of work, you can look at GOV.UK for advice about finding a job.
You can also look at websites advertising jobs, such as Indeed or Reed, or contact local recruitment agencies for job opportunities
If you have been issued with a notice seeking possession by your landlord, or you are threatened with repossession by your mortgage provider, please click here to complete our self-referral form on our homelessness advice page.
Once we receive this we will contact you to offer you advice. This may be signposting you to another agency or we may offer you an appointment with a Housing Solutions Officer.
If you’ve fallen behind with your rent or mortgage and fear losing your home - it’s never too late to seek advice and get back on track. The Essex Outreach Support Service offers support to people living in Essex who are experiencing a range of problems that are impacting on their health, housing or financial wellbeing.
For further information on Outreach Support which is provided by Peabody please visit https://www.peabodycareandsupport.org.uk/essex-outreach-support/
Please help us improve our website by giving us feedback you'd like to on this page. If you'd like to remain anonymous you can omit your name and email. Thanks, Tendring District Council.