Former Tenants Arrears

If you were a Council tenant and left the property owing rent, it is important that you repay the arrears as quickly as possibly, ideally in one payment. Please see useful links for information about how to pay your former tenants arrears.

If you are unable to repay the full amount immediately, please contact us on 01204 335252.

If you fail to do this, we may be able to refuse to re-house you.

In addition, if you fail to clear you arrears or keep to an agreement to repay them:-

• Legal action may be taken to recover the debt. A County Court judgement could prevent you from getting credit. If you still refuse to pay the debt we can ask the Court to instruct your employers to make deductions from your salary or take monies from your bank account or ask the Court bailiffs to seize goods to the value of the debt.
• Your account may be passed to a debt collection agency, who will recover the money on our behalf.

If you do not agree with the amount owing or you think you should be entitled to Housing Benefit for part or all of your former tenancy arrears, you should contact us immediately.

Further information about dealing with debt

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.

National Organisations

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)

Locally Based Organisations

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

Contact us:

Link to Housing office contact list

Comments, compliments and complaints

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

Useful links:

Paying your rent
Feedback Form
Service Standards
'on-line' payment link
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/ (opens in a new window)