What to do if you can't pay your rent

If you're struggling to pay your rent or have already missed a payment, it's important to contact your landlord as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Here, we explain what help is available for private renters around the UK, and outline where you can find free debt advice.

Asking for help from your landlord or letting agent

If you're worried you won't be able to make your next rent payment, the first step is to talk to your landlord or lettings agent (if you live in a managed property).

Your landlord isn't obliged to offer support, but may be willing to discuss a compromise that will enable you to keep living in the property. This could involve reducing your monthly payments for a set period of time while you get on top of your finances.

Before calling your landlord, consider putting together a budget that outlines your income and existing financial commitments. Doing this will give you an idea of how much you might be able to pay, and will show your landlord that you're serious about getting your payments on track.

Those renting a home from a council or a housing association, can find out how to get support in the guide from Citizens Advice.

• Find out more: your rights as a tenant

What to do if you've already missed a payment

Missing payments need to be addressed, so if you fall behind on your monthly bill, you should contact your landlord or letting agent straight away. 

This is called being in 'rent arrears' - which is a form of priority debt. If you fail to pay your rent, you might be evicted from the property.

When you first contact your landlord or letting agent, explain why you haven't been able to pay, and be as honest as you can about your circumstances. If you are able to pay something towards the rent, but not the full amount, make this clear.

Again, your landlord or letting agent isn't required to negotiate with you, but they may be willing to agree to a repayment plan. This would involve you settling the amount owed within an agreed timeframe - perhaps by adding a little more to your future payments.

• Find out more: what are my rights when renting from a private landlord?

Government help for rent arrears

Tenants in England or Wales may be able to qualify for the Debt Respite Scheme - also known as Breathing Space.

Breathing Space is a government scheme for people struggling with debt. If you're approved, your creditors (in this case your landlord or letting agent) won't be able to take enforcement action (such as eviction) against you for 60 days.

The scheme provides temporary respite from eviction, but it's not a payment holiday. During the 60-day period, you should still make rent payments if you can. The charity StepChange provides further details of how the scheme works.

A similar scheme called a 'moratorium' exists in Scotland. This offers protection from legal action over unpaid debts for a period of six weeks.

When can my landlord evict me?

If you fall into arrears, your landlord is likely to try and evict you and 'seek possession' of the property.

To do this, the landlord will need to provide you with a written notice and apply for a court order, called a 'possession order'. If you fail to leave by the date specified on the order, the landlord can apply for a warrant of eviction.

You can find out from Citizens Advice how the eviction process works in the event of rent arrears. The exact rules vary around the UK. You can select where you live at the top of the page to find the relevant information.

Where to get free advice

If you're concerned about rent payments or the prospect of eviction, it's can be helpful to get independent expert advice on your options. Specialist housing charities offer free support. These include:

• Shelter (England)
• Shelter Scotland
• Shelter Cymru
• Housing Rights (Northern Ireland)

If you're at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, you can contact your local council's housing department for advice on applying for emergency accommodation.

You can also get more general advice on debt and budgeting from these charities:

• StepChange
• Citizens Advice
• National Debtline

Find out more: use our guide to find free debt advice contacts