Avoid becoming homeless
You could become homeless if you do not pay your rent or mortgage.
If you become homeless, you will have less choice and control over your housing. For example, you might have to move out of London to a place where rents are more affordable.
To avoid becoming homeless, you can get advice and money to help you pay your housing costs and bills.
Below are links to advice and ways to pay overdue rent or mortgage payments.
Are you claiming welfare benefits?
Citizens Advice has information on the different kinds of benefits you can claim.
You can also check you are claiming all the benefits you can. Start by using a benefits calculator.
Get debt advice and help to pay your rent and bills
- How to manage debt and save money on your bills
- What to do you if you have problems paying your rent (Money Helper)
Advice for mortgage payers
Lenders must treat you fairly. If you cannot pay your mortgage, contact your lender as soon as possible.
Ask them if you can:
- increase your regular mortgage repayments to include the money you owe
- get more time to pay
- reduce your repayments until you can get back on track
Leasehold properties
If your property is leasehold, you must also pay ground rent and sometimes a service charge.
If you do not pay these charges, as well as your mortgage, you could lose your home.