If you’re having difficulty paying your rent, mortgage, or other housing costs, you can get advice and support.
It’s important to get advice as soon as you know there's a problem. Getting help early can help you understand your options and plan your next steps. We're here to support you.
Risk of becoming homeless
If you’re worried about becoming homeless, ask for support as soon as possible. Do not wait until you are homeless.
Support could include:
- helping you understand your rights
- help to prevent eviction
- finding alternative housing
- accessing benefits
There’s homelessness support available for many different situations, including if you’re:
Help with rent and service charges
Council tenants
If you owe money for the rent or service charges on your council property, contact us. We’re here to help and can work with you to agree affordable repayments.
You can also speak to the Housing Income Team by:
- email at [email protected]
- phone on 020 7974 4444
Or, you can use the Housing Income Team's online contact form.
Find out more about paying rent for your council home.
Private renters
Speak to your landlord if you cannot pay your rent or service charges. They may give you extra time to pay.
If you claim Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, your landlord may be able to get the rent paid straight to them through an alternative payment arrangement. This is called managed payments.
If your landlord wants to evict you, they must follow the correct and legal procedures. Visit GOV.UK for information about rules your landlord must follow.
You should also get impartial advice to help you understand your rights as a private renter. Find organisations who can support private renters.
Help with mortgage payments and service charges
If you cannot afford to pay your mortgage or you’re worried you will be unable to soon, speak to your mortgage provider. They might be able to change when and how you make payments.
If you’re struggling to pay the service charge and you’re entitled to Universal Credit (UC), you could apply for a UC payment to help pay it.
You can also get free and impartial advice from:
Help with bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, speak to your energy suppliers. They might be able to change when and how you make payments.
You might also be able to apply for a grant to pay off energy debts.
If your home has a pre-payment meter and you cannot top it up at the moment, ask your energy supplier for help with credit.
Thames Water has a discount scheme called WaterHelp. If you’re on a low income, find out if you’re eligible to apply for WaterHelp.
For help with internet bills, check if you're eligible for a reduced-price social tariff. Find a list of social tariffs on the Ofcom website or speak to your current provider about it.
Help with debt
Some debts need dealing with before others because the consequences of not paying them can be more serious. These are called priority debts.
Priority debts with housing include:
- rent arrears (payments that are overdue)
- mortgage arrears
- Council Tax arrears
- gas or electricity bills
You can also find advice on how to start dealing with your debts from Citizen’s Advice. Or, you can call Citizen’s Advice Camden for free on 0800 0283 146, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Help with benefits
You may be entitled to benefits, which can help you manage housing costs. Our Money Advice Service can help you check what benefits you can get, and help you apply for them.