Rent frequently asked questions
Check these frequently asked questions that may help you with your rent issues.
What do I do if I’m struggling to pay my rent
If you are over 18 and of working age, you may be eligible for help towards your rent through Universal Credit (this is known as the Housing Element). Contact 0800 328 5644 for further information.
If you are receiving a pension, you may be eligible for help towards your rent through Housing Benefit. Contact 024 7637 6514 for further information.
What help is availabIe if I cannot pay my rent in advance
Before you sign the tenancy agreement, find out if you're eligible for a rent in advance grant.
Contact our Customer Accounts Team urgently to discuss a reasonable payment arrangement. A payment plan can be agreed to bring your rent account to being in advance.
How does Universal Credit work
If you are currently receiving Universal Credit, you may also be entitled to help towards your rent (known as Housing Element) which would be included in your monthly Universal Credit payment.
You can submit details of your rent via your Journal, which the Council will then verify, for Universal Credit to assess if you are entitled to Housing Element towards your rent.
By default, Universal Credit will pay Housing Element to you direct, unless specifically requested by you or the Council, to pay the Council direct (known as Managed Payments to Landlord)
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Universal Credit pay Housing Element monthy and in arrears
It's important you check your Journal to see if the Housing Element has been paid to you or the Council, and if there are any shortfalls in the Housing Element.
Example: Your rent charge is £85.63 per week, or £371.06 per calendar month.
Your Journal shows that for the previous month, you are entitled to £325.32 Housing Element, and this is paid to you direct.
- Therefore you need to pay £325.32 Housing Element to the Council, and the difference between this and your normal monthly rent of £45.74.
What do I do if I have rent arrears or receive an arrears letter
You must either:
- Pay the arrears amount quoted in the letter.
- Contact the Customer Accounts Team urgently to discuss your options.
I have other debts
It is important that you seek independent debt advice if you have debts.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau (BRANCAB)
- Telephone: 0808 250 5715
- Email: info@brancab.org.uk
- Website: BRANCAB
- Drop-in sessions at Nuneaton Town Hall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00am until 2:00pm
- Drop-in sessions at Bedworth Citizens Advice, 25 Congreve Walk, Bedworth, CV12 8LX on Monday and Friday from 10:00am until 2:00pm
National Debt Line - 0808 808 4000
What happens if I don’t pay my rent
Ultimately, you risk losing your home.
The Council must follow guidelines before taking court action – this is known as the Pre-action Protocol
My rent account is in credit – can I have a refund
The terms of your tenancy agreement are that rent is paid in advance, therefore you must always hold at least one month’s credit. If you credit is higher than this, you can request a refund. Contact Housing Support Rents on 024 7637 6427 or 024 7637 6501
If you have any queries or concerns about your rent account, contact the Customer Accounts Team.