Rent Arrears

What are rent arrears?

Arrears is the term we use for money you have failed to pay us, they are caused by missed payments, late payments and part payments.

Where can I go for help?

You should contact us immediately. We will accept arrangements to clear arrears in instalments. We can give you advice about benefits. We are happy to visit you at your home or to make an appointment for you to come into the office. We can help with the completion of housing benefit forms and can also refer you to a number of organisations who will provide confidential debt advice and debt counselling.

What happens if I continue not to pay my rent?

If you do not make an arrangement to clear your arrears or do not keep to an arrangement made it may be necessary to serve on you with a formal Notice of Seeking Possession. This is the first stage in any legal action.

Following the service of a Notice we will still accept arrangements to clear the debt by regular repayments. As long as you keep to your agreements no further action will be taken.

What happens if I go to Court?

If your arrears continue to increase after the service of a notice we will apply for a County Court Hearing. We will inform you of this decision and continue to visit you and give advice on welfare benefits and debt management. You can still make an arrangement to clear your debt by instalments. We will agree to postpone proceedings if you keep to any agreement to reduce your arrears. The costs of taking action to court will be reclaimed against you. A Court Order can affect your credit rating and could mean that it is difficult for you to obtain credit in the future. As long as you keep to your Court Order no further action will be taken.

What happens if I do not pay my Court Order?

If you are having difficulty in paying you must contact us immediately. We may be able to review your payments. If you continue not to comply with your Court Order we will apply to the Court for a Warrant to repossess your home. Remember eviction is very much a last resort.

Don't lose your home - so get in touch.

Former Tenants Arrears

If you terminate your tenancy leaving arrears of rent and other charges this is called Former Tenant's Arrears. We always pursue former tenants arrears. These debts are sometimes passed onto a private Debt Collection Agency.

Useful Contacts

Citizens Advice Bureau (Community Legal Services unit)
01295 262088

Banbury Benefits Advice
01295 255863

Oxfordshire Home Support
01295 676924

National Debtline

0808 808 4000
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk