Rent

Help with your Rent
Note that a person on a low income can get help with their rent from their local Authority. Your claim cannot be backdated!

Rental deposits
The law on deposits held by the landlord has changed from April 6th 2007. This is a significant change and will generally help a tenant when they want to move.

First there is a maximum that a landlord may request as a deposit.
  - Unfurnished property Maximum of two months rental
  - Furnished property Maximum of three months rental

Second the landlord is required to return the deposit within 14 days of the end of the tenancy.
They are only allowed to retain any part of the deposit for specified purposes which include:
  - Unpaid rent
  - Repairing damage and replacing missing items. But they cannot charge for other than normal wear and tear.

Third the landlord must place your deposit with a specified government department. The landlord is not allowed to hold the money themselves. Any landlord who does not place the deposit wiythin the government scheme would expect to face prosecution.
Note for landlords: This also means that the Inland Revenue are now able to check that the landlords placing deposits with the scheme are also declaring their income!

These changes gives much more stability to the tenants. There is no longer any reason to avoid paying the last month's rental because you don't expect to get your deposit back!

Problems paying your Rent
If you have problems paying your rent you should take the following steps as soon as possible:
  - If it is a temporary problem, contact the landlord and let them know what is happening. It is generally not good to leave them to find out when they check their next bank statement!
  - If you have a council rent then contact them and explain the problem.   - If you have a private rental then contact them and explain the problem. You cannot be forced to leave a property immediately. Even if you are unable to pay any rent there is a process that the landlord must go through. But get some immediate help and advice from the local council and/or the help lines listed below.

If you cannot resolve the problems, then there are groups who will help you. They may simply give advice and refer you to other people; or they may get involved in your particular circumstances.

The Citizens Advice Bureau are invaluable giving immediate advice and help. They may also refer you to others who are specialists in helping people with your particular problems.
The National Debtline group also give advice and will tell your legal position, what your rights are etc.
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service can provide you with free confidential advice and support.