Getting behind with the rent is known as being 'in arrears'. If this happens to you, your landlord may have the right to take you to court and make you leave your home. Sorting out your rent should be one of your top priorities.
I rent from Manchester City Council
Manchester City Council has two types of council tenants, Introductory Tenants and Secure Tenants. Both have different rights.
Introductory Tenants
If you are an Introductory Tenant who is behind with the rent, you are at greater risk of being evicted because you do not have many rights. The Council may act quickly to take you to court and have you evicted.
Secure Tenants
If you have been living in your council home for more than a year, it is likely that you are a Secure Tenant. As a Secure Tenant you have many more rights than an Introductory Tenant but you should still take action immediately to deal with rent arrears. If you do not sort out the arrears then the Council may decide to take you to court in order to repossess the property. If the Council is successful, you could be evicted.
What action should I take (Introductory Tenants and Secure Tenants)?
If you are in arrears, you should ring 'Housing on Call' (0161 953 2525) straight away to discuss your situation. Arrange to see a Housing Officer.
Manchester Housing will expect you to pay your current rent each week, plus whatever you can realistically afford towards your arrears. Don't risk making the situation worse by agreeing to pay more than you can afford, as you may need to keep up these payments over a long period. Do not be frightened of making a small offer if it is one you can realistically stick to.
Check with the Housing Officer to see if you are able to get Housing Benefit. If your circumstances have changed, you may now be eligible for this help toward your rent.
If you are on Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support, you can arrange to have a standard amount taken out of your benefit each week to pay off the arrears. This is paid direct to Manchester Housing. This way you can be assured that regular arrears payments are received without you having to personally remember to make them. No further action should be taken against you.
How can I make an arrangement to pay?
Phone Manchester Housing at 'Housing on-call' on 0161 953 2525 and ask to speak to a Housing Officer, or
Make an offer online (external website)
It is nearly always possible to make an arrangement to stay in your home but you must talk to Manchester Housing. If you cannot reach an agreement get help from a Debt or Housing Adviser.
Information on other websites
Manchester City Council
Information about what to do if you owe rent
Shelter
Download a detailed guide to dealing with rent arrears
National Debtline
Has a self-help pack for people in debt
I rent from a Housing Association
If you are in arrears, you should contact the Association straight away and speak to a Housing Officer. The address and phone number will be in your rent book.
Your Housing Association will expect you to pay your current rent each week, plus whatever you can realistically afford towards your arrears. Don't risk making the situation worse by agreeing to pay more than you can afford, as you may need to keep up these payments over a long period. Do not be frightened of making a small offer if it is one you can realistically stick to.
Check with the Housing Association whether you are able to get Housing Benefit.
If you are on Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support, you can arrange to have a standard amount taken out of your benefit each week to pay off the arrears. This is paid direct to the Housing Association. This way you can be assured that regular arrears payments are received without you having to personally remember to make them. No further action should be taken against you.
Information on other websites
Shelter
Download a detailed guide to dealing with rent arrears
National Debtline
Has a self-help pack for people in debt
I rent from a private landlord
If you are a private tenant and you are in rent arrears, it is important to take action as soon as possible as you risk losing your home. However, if your landlord wants you to leave your home, she / he must go to court first.
Tenants of private landlords (Manchester only)
If your landlord harasses you or tries to get you to leave without a court order, they are breaking the law. If you are in this situation you can get help from the Tenancy Relations Service (part of Manchester City Council) by ringing 234 4815.
As soon as you get into difficulties you should approach your landlord to discuss the situation with him or her. If your income has fallen and you can no longer afford to pay the rent, you may be entitled to
Housing Benefit. Try and come to an agreement with your landlord to pay the rent plus an affordable amount to reduce the arrears. Get help from a Debt or Housing Adviser if you are not sure how much you can afford to pay or if your landlord won't negotiate with you.
Information on other websites
Shelter
A guide to dealing with rent arrears if you are a private tenant and download a detailed guide to dealing with rent arrears (PDF)
National Debtline
Has a self-help pack for people with debts
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
17 November 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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