What To Do If You Can't Pay Your Rent
Emergency help
If you may lose your home soon or have nowhere safe to stay, get urgent housing help today.
What this helps with
A step-by-step guide to what to do if you are falling behind on rent, including who to contact, what help to ask for, and how to protect your housing.
Who this is for
Private tenants or social tenants worried about rent arrears
What to do first
If you may lose your home soon or have nowhere safe to stay, get urgent housing help today.
Introduction
A step-by-step guide to what to do if you are falling behind on rent, including who to contact, what help to ask for, and how to protect your housing.
Who this guide is for
- Private tenants or social tenants worried about rent arrears
- Anyone whose income has dropped and housing costs now feel unmanageable
- People who want early housing advice before arrears or eviction risks grow
Main advice
Practical next steps
Common mistakes
- Avoiding your landlord or housing provider — early contact is usually better than silence.
- Paying less without getting advice — check your wider options before making decisions.
- Waiting for formal action before asking for help — housing advice is most useful early on.
Reassurance note
Trusted organisations
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Services near you
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Last reviewed: 19 July 2026
This guide provides general information and should not replace professional legal, financial or medical advice where appropriate.
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