Arrears policy

Everyone has to pay something towards the cost of their home, even those who receive full housing benefit. Unfortunately, sometimes people stop paying and end up with rent arrears. Here's what you can do to avoid getting into debt.

Serious consequences

Westminster Council tenants will be suspended from bidding for properties on Choice Based Lettings if they build up more than one week's rent or service charge arrears.

For example, if your rent is £90 per week and you receive £87.50 in Housing Benefit, you must pay £2.50 per week yourself. If you build up more than £2.50 arrears, you will be suspended from bidding.

If you do nothing about your arrears, you will be evicted. If this happens it is unlikely that Westminster or any other local authority will offer you alternative housing and you will become homeless.

Tell someone!

When you realise you have rent arrears, tell someone! Contact your local estate office and they will advise you what to do to solve the problem. You might prefer to get independent advice from an agency such as the Citizen's Advice Bureau. The quicker you call, the easier it is to sort the problem out. Ignoring it will not make it go away.

Are you claiming the right benefits?

Often people end up in arrears because they do not claim benefits to which they are entitled. If you are having difficulties with housing benefit, let your estate office know and they may be able to help.

Consider a direct debit

Sometimes, setting up a direct debit to pay your weekly rent on time can keep you out of arrears. This way, you know you are always up to date and don't have to remember to pay each week. Speak to your housing officer if you would like to set this up.

Make an agreement

If you do have arrears, we will not expect you to pay them off in one go. It is usually possible for you to make an agreement to pay at an affordable rate. If we see that you have been sticking to your agreement for some time, we can often un-suspend your application and allow you to bid again.

We're here to help

Having debts can be scary. But we are here to help and will offer support and assistance to get you through your debt problems. Remember, with the right advice, you can get yourself out of trouble.