IF you rent your home and are behind with rental payments, you could be at risk of eviction when the current ban on most evictions is lifted on 31st May, warns Citizens Advice.
The Government introduced the ban during the pandemic and extended it several times to protect people whose livelihoods had been affected.
Recent research by Citizens Advice shows that half a million private renters in the country are currently behind on rent, with the average amount owed being over £700. The same report also found that tenants who live in properties that are badly maintained may be at risk of ‘retaliatory eviction’ by their landlord if they make a complaint.
Ian Byworth, CEO of Citizens Advice Mendip, commented. “It’s a very worrying time for tenants in difficulties with rent arrears, in addition to all the other stresses caused by the pandemic. But there are things that you can do to protect yourself.”
Here are some key tips from Ian and his team:
1. Make rent payments a priority!
2. If you’re in arrears: don’t ignore it, otherwise it will only get worse. It could also make it more difficult to get another tenancy in the future.
3. Check you owe what you’re being asked to pay: look at the payments you’ve made from your own records and compare them to your landlord’s rent book or statement. If you have any benefits paid direct to your landlord, check with the council or DWP how much has been paid.
3. Make an affordable payment plan: speak to your landlord and explain your situation. See if you can agree a realistic repayment plan and put it in writing.
4. Check your benefit entitlement: if you’re not currently receiving benefits, check your entitlement to top up your income. If you’re already receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, find out whether you’re getting the right amount or whether you can get part of your benefits paid towards your arrears. You may also be eligible for a ‘discretionary housing payment’ from your local council if you’re unable to pay your rent.
5. If you do receive notice to quit from your landlord: immediately contact Mendip District Council Housing Options on 0300 300 8588 for advice on how to avoid becoming homeless.
You can access free, independent and confidential advice from Citizens Advice in Mendip. Following government advice, their offices are currently closed for face-to-face sessions, but please visit their website www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk for details of how to email them. Alternatively, you can contact their free Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87 842 (open Mon-Fri, 10.00-4.00).
Citizens Advice Mendip is an independent local charity reliant on grants and donations to fund its work. If you would like to donate and help to continue their work, please visit their website to use the ‘donate’ button or to email them.
