Falling behind with your rent & other debts
We understand why many households end up falling behind with rent.
Helping you to keep up with rent payments is better for us and you than chasing you for rent once you have fallen behind (known as ‘arrears recovery’). We want to give you financial advice at the start of your tenancy or licence.
As soon as rent accounts show arrears of over two weeks we ensure swift and appropriate action is taken. Where preventative measures and financial counselling fail, all legal measures available to us will be used to recover the debt.
Debt
Debt is any amount of money that is owed to someone else for any reason and is caused by many reasons. This may be because of low income, difficulty budgeting, unexpected bills or lack of priority.
Many companies specialise in helping people budget and repaying debt, however many of these companies charge for their assistance – spending money that can be better spent paying off debts.
Companies that can offer genuine assistance for free are:
Consumer Credit Counselling Services on 0800 138 1111 or www.cccs.co.uk
National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau – visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or check your local telephone directory for the appropriate telephone number for your area.
Shelter on 0844 515 2000 or england.shelter.org.uk
(Shelter offer assistance with housing debt only)
What you should do if you are in debt
Don’t ignore the debt, don’t bury your head in the sand, contact the person, company or landlord you owe monies to without delay.
Where does your money come from? – do you qualify for any benefits to increase your income? www.entitledto.co.uk
Where does your money go? Can you cut out or down on any expenses?
Do a Budget plan – forms can be obtained from us; or CAB.
Priority debts are recognised as being –
*Rent * Council Tax * Fines * Utility Bills *
Finally, be honest with the person you owe money to – they may not be able to ignore the debt, but it is far better to let them know your situation. If they are a company, they do need the money to come in to provide the service they offer. If they are an individual, they have saved the money, or not had a treat in order to help you, so it is only right that you help them in return.
Did you know there are 8 different ways to pay your rent to us?
By cheque, by post, at the post office, by direct debit or standing order, with your debit or credit card, online through the internet, and by receipt of housing benefit.
If you have rent arrears, or wish to check how to pay your rent please phone us on 0800 138 6107 or email us on westsom@magna.org.uk for assistance and guidance.
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