Many people have difficulties paying their rent and other bills these days.
Code of Practice for tenants
Help and information
What to do if you are
behind with your rent
What happens if you fail
to pay your rent
Further information about dealing with debt
Contact us
Comments, compliments and
complaints
Useful links
Many people have
difficulties paying their rent and other bills these days.
Your money problems can only be solved if you don't ignore them. They won't go
away and the longer you leave them, the worse they get.
If you continue to fail to pay your rent you are at risk of losing your home.
Bolton at Home do not wish this to happen but can only help you if you contact us.
We are here to help YOU.
This information will help you take the first steps towards tackling your rent
arrears problems.
This information also explains what will happen if you do not take the
necessary steps to tackle your rent arrears.
Warning! If no action is taken to pay off the debt you could lose your home
Pay rent and other charges* in advance
Advise us immediately if you are having difficulties paying your rent
we can check if you are claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to and
offer advice about managing your income and outgoings.
You should always check with your Housing Benefit office to see if you
qualify for Housing Benefit, even if you think you may not.
Ensure that all information for Housing Benefit applications is
accurate and honest and advise us immediately of any changes in your
circumstances or income. Failure to do this may put you in arrears with your
rent and also lead to court action against you.
Return all Housing Benefit forms on time. Failure to do this will
result in you being charged full rent.
If you follow this code then you will not get into arrears.
If you do fall into arrears Bolton at Home will take immediate action to
recover the full amount outstanding.
*Other service charges may include:
'These are only included if you have agreed in your tenancy agreement.'
You can also receive independent and free advice from:
Contact your Neighbourhood housing or estate office or ring 335234 / 335496
Explain your situation to your Income Management Officer.
You will be advised of any benefit entitlement.
An agreement can be made at this stage.
PAYMENT OF RENT IS NOT NEGOTIABLE. The amount you pay to reduce your arrears is!
If your rent account shows arrears you will be sent a letter advising you of
this and requesting payment in full.
If you do not pay the arrears within one week, you will be sent a reminder
advising that court action will be taken to recover the debt.
One week after the reminder if your rent account still shows arrears, you may
be served with a Notice of Seeking Possession if you have a Secure Tenancy. If you have an Introductory Tenancy, you may be served with a Notice To Terminate the tenancy as you are in breach of your tenancy agreement..
If you receive a Notice, contact your Income Management Officer immediately.
If the arrears continue to increase or remain at the same level, we may ask the County Court to give the Council possession of the property. If your tenancy is a secure tenancy, a District Judge will decide at a court hearing whether it is reasonable to give the Council possession of the property. Where possession is given, a bailiff from the court will be asked to carry out the eviction
It is advisable to seek independent legal advice if facing a possession order. Please see below for details of some of the organisations which can provide help and advice.
A link to the Court website can be found under Useful Links.
The Council or other Registered Social Landlords generally have no obligation
to re-house those who are evicted for non payment of rent. If you are evicted
you will have to find alternative accommodation for yourself and anyone who is
living with you.
There are national and locally based organisations which offer help and advice about dealing with debts. The Consumer Credit Counselling Service, National Debtline, Citizens Advice and Pay Plan offer information and help via their websites.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
www.cccs.co.uk (opens in a new window)
0800 138 co 1111 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
National Debt line
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk (opens in a new window)
0808 808 4000 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm Saturday
Advice guide from Citizens Advice Bureau
www.adviceguide.org.uk (opens in a new window)
Pay Plan
www.payplan.com (opens in a new window)
Bolton District CAB
Town Centre
26-28 Mawdsley Street
The Courtyard
Bolton
BL1 1LF
Drop in Monday to Wednesday 9.30am to 4pm, Thursday 1pm to 7pm, Friday 9.30am to 4pm
0870 1264038
Farnworth
55 Market Street
Farnworth
BL4 7NS
Drop in Monday, Tuesday 9.30am to 12.30pm, Thursday 1pm-4pm.
01204 574 633
Link to Housing office contact list
If you would like more information, or have a comment, complaint or
suggestion about how we can improve our services or complain to us about a
service you have received. A form is available from reception areas, or by
using the feedback link below or contact us directly on 01204 335765 and we
will send you one. You can also give feedback in writing to:
Best Practice & Performance Team
Bolton at Home
FREEPOST NAT13006
Bolton
BL1 8ZZ
Or email
Housing.complaints@boltonathome.org.uk
Paying your rent
Feedback Form
Service Standards
'on-line' payment link
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/ (opens in a new window)
