Preventing rent arrears
Prevention of rent arrears is an important part of the tenancy management function. There will be an emphasis on the prevention of arrears accruing at every stage of the arrears collection procedure.
Housing Services provide information and advice to customers prior to a tenancy beginning and identify tenants that need support to manage their finances.
Housing officers aim to carry out 'new tenancy visits' within six weeks of a tenancy starting to determine any issues tenants may have paying their rent.
Rent statements are sent to tenants every six months to assist them in managing their rent accounts.
Housing Services will provide tenants with tailored advice and support on:
- debt
- financial skills
- maximising income
Housing Services will undertake profiling of tenants in rent arrears in order to predict when tenants may fall into arears and tailor services to meet the needs of the tenant. This includes using tools such as 'propensity to pay'.
Housing Services will, where possible, make requests to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for direct payments towards arrears. They will not make requests if a court order is already in place.
The housing manager reviews cases where a notice is going to be served as a result of arrears due to the under-occupation size criteria charge and the tenant has engaged with Housing Services to reduce the debt.
Extra help with housing costs
Housing Payments provide extra help to customers who are already getting Housing Benefit and need further financial assistance with their housing costs. This will usually be because there is a shortfall between the amount of benefit they get and their rent.
Find out more about Housing Payments
If you're receiving care and support from adult social care
You could also talk to your social worker. The charity Penrose offers housing related support to vulnerable adults if you need some help with any of the following:
- understanding the information about your arrears
- how to pay your rent
- if you'd like to speak to someone independent
The Charity Penrose
Telephone: 01582 343230
Email: luton@penrose.org.uk
Website: Social Interest Group
Other agencies that can help if you’re in debt
You can contact: