Rent Arrears A GUIDE FOR B.V.T. TENANTS

Staff at The Trust are keen to help you avoid getting into rent arrears.

You are responsible for making sure your rent is paid, whether you pay it yourself, or through Housing Benefit.

Paying your rent should take priority over other debts, because you could lose your home if you do not pay your rent.

What should I do if I am struggling to pay my rent?

If you have any problems in paying your rent contact a member of staff at your Local Area Office immediately.

Our staff will try to make an agreement with you to bring your rent up to date.

You could also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or your local Housing Benefit Services for independent advice.

What action will the Trust take if I am in arrears?

Ultimately, if you do not pay your rent you could lose your home. However, there are a number of steps the Trust has to take before an eviction can take place.

If your account starts to fall into arrears we will send you reminder letters. If you do not respond to these, the Trust will serve a Notice of intention to Seek Possession (NSP).

If the arrears continue or you fail to maintain any agreement reached with the Trust, court action will be taken and this could result in your eviction.

WHERE ELSE CAN I GET HELP?

There are lots of specialist local and national organisations where you can get help and advice, some of which are listed below:

Shelterline - Freephone 0808 800 4444
www.shelter.org.uk

BIRMINGHAM

Citizens Advice Bureau - 0870 751 0955
www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Birmingham Money Advice and Grants - 0121 678 8853

Birmingham Settlement - 0121 248 3000
www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk

Central Benefits Team - 0121 464 7000
www.birmingham.gov.uk/......

SCB Credit Union - 0121 486 2035
www.communisave.co.uk

TELFORD

Citizens Advice Bureau - 01952 291 101
www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Housing Benefits Service - 01952 203 310
www.wrekinhousingtrust.org.uk/residents/housingbenefit.aspx

Housing Needs Section, Borough of Telford and Wrekin -
01952 202 100
www.telford.gov.uk/Advice+benefits

Fairshare Credit Union - 01952 282 528
www.telford.gov.uk/......

Action Check List

STEP 1

Get advice immediately.

STEP 2

Do not ignore any letters sent to you.

STEP 3

Make immediate payments towards the arrears.

STEP 4

Sort out your benefit claim and always get a receipt.

STEP 5

Always attend court and try to get representation.

STEP 6

Keep to the terms of any court orders made.

STEP 7

Maintain contact with the Trust.

STEP 8

Seek advice on other debts.

Click here to download information booklet (pdf)

You will need Acrobat reader to view this PDF. If you do not have this then click on the logo below to download and install a free copy.