Home and Housing
Get help with the cost of renting privately
Summary
You should take action as quickly as possible. You can check how to deal with rent arrears. If you don’t live with your landlord, check if your private landlord was allowed to increase your rent. If you live with your landlord, you’re usually a lodger - check your rights as a lodger. You might be able to get extra money to help you pay your rent. Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to - so it’s worth checking what you can get. You might be able to get Universal Credit for housing costs if all the following apply: * you’re on a low income - this will depend on your circumstances In some situations you’ll have to claim Housing Benefit instead of Universal Credit. This applies if: you, and your partner if you've got one, have reached State Pension age – check your state pension age on GOV.UK * you or your partner has been getting Pension Credit since before 15 May 2019 * your landlord’s a county council, registered charity, voluntary organisation or housing association and they give you care or support * you get accommodation from a county council, registered charity, voluntary organisation or housing association because you need care or support If you're not sure.
Key information
- you’re on a low income - this will depend on your circumstances
- you have savings below £16,000
- you or your partner has been getting Pension Credit since before 15 May 2019
- you live in temporary accommodation
- your landlord’s a county council, registered charity, voluntary organisation or housing association and they give you care or support
- you get accommodation from a county council, registered charity, voluntary organisation or housing association because you need care or support
- how much Universal Credit or Housing Benefit you get
- how much you earn and spend
- why you can’t afford to pay your rent
- how not getting a Housing Payment would affect you
- why you can’t afford to move somewhere smaller or cheaper
- any hardship being caused to any dependants, for example children or elderly relatives
Practical guidance
Related topics
More in this area
Sources
- Citizens Advice — Get help with the cost of renting privately
This is signposting information from the Legal Shaman wiki, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor for your situation.