When you sign a tenancy agreement or agree verbally to rent a property, it is up to you to pay the rent you agreed. If you do not pay the rent you could lose your home. If you owe the landlord money, he / she could go to court and get an order against you. This could mean you may have trouble getting credit in future.
Be sure where you stand
When you pay your rent, get something in writing. If you pay weekly, you have a right to a rent book - the landlord writes in this when you pay the rent. If you don't pay weekly, ask for a rent book or buy one yourself and ask the landlord to sign it when the rent is collected. If you don't have a rent book, ask for a receipt whenever you pay rent. Keep any other records to say you have paid, for instance a cheque book or postal order stubs. If Housing Benefit pays all your rent you could ask the Benefits Service to confirm what has been paid.
If you fall behind with the rent
Talk to the landlord as soon as you can. If you cannot pay off all you owe, offer to pay a little extra each week or month towards the missing payments, if you can manage this. If you think the situation is going to get out of control get advice. Find out more about dealing with rent arrears.
Can the landlord increase the rent?
The landlord must follow a set procedure if he / she wants to increase the rent. The procedure will depend on the type of tenant you are and when you moved into the property.
Information on other websites
Adviceguide
Information about rent increases for Council or Housing Association Tenants
Manchester City Council
Information about paying rent for council tenants in Manchester
Manchester Advice
Information about your rights in relation to paying rent
Shelter
A guide to paying rent for private tenants
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
28 October 2008
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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