Rent Arrears and Debt Advice

Debt Advice

For professional help and advice to manage your debts  you can contact a number of independent advice agencies who can provide unbiased advice at no cost. Contact details for some organisations who provide these services both locally and nationwide.

If you need Debt or Welfare Advice you can get information and advice online via https://www.ncab.org.uk/?p=advice  or www.citizensadvice.org.uk  or by phone by calling 03 444 111444  or in person at –

Norfolk Citizens Advice, Millennium Library, The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich,NR2 1TF,

Norfolk Citizens Advice, 14 Middleton Street, Wymondham, NR18 0AD

Diss, Thetford and District Citizens Advice Shelfanger Road, Diss, IP22 4EH

North East Suffolk Citizens Advice 12 New Market, Beccles NR34 9HB

North East Suffolk Citizens Advice 8 Chaucer Street, Bungay, NR35 1DT

Debtline
Offers free, confidential and independent advice to help people deal with their debt problems and regain control of their finances.
Freephone: 0808 808 4000

StepChange Debt Charity
A national charity (formerly the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, or CCCS), that provides free debt advice. They can provide a debt management plan, or DMP, free of charge.
Freephone: 0800 138 1111

Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service helps people manage their money. They do this directly through their own free and impartial advice service. They also work in partnership with other organisations to help people make the most of their money. They are an independent service, set up by government.

How much Rent do I owe?

To find out:

• You can contact your Housing Officer (01508 532000)
• Check your rent statement. log in to your account
• If you are in arrears you will receive a letter from us unless the debt is very low

What if I am having problems paying my rent?

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rent, contact us immediately and we will:

• Make an agreement with you to pay off arrears
• Help you to get advice on debt counselling or money management
• We could advise you on applying for housing benefit or universal credit

You must:

Tell us if you are having problems, otherwise we can’t help you and we may commence legal action against you if there is no contact.

You may have other debts to pay but payment of rent should be your first priority.

What will happen if I don’t pay my rent?

We will:

• Write to you to tell you that you are in arrears
• Make an agreement for you to clear your arrears
• Discuss any problems you are having in paying your rent
• Monitor your account to ensure regular payments are received in future

Our rent arrears policy is fair but firm. Persistent arrears may lead to legal action being taken.