Stop, breathe and don’t panic. If you can’t afford rent, it can feel like your whole world is about to come crashing down. Don’t stress, you’re not going to be living on the streets. There are plenty of genuine reasons why you could be short this month. How you handle this situation has a huge impact on your future in your current rental. Here’s what you need to know and how to resolve the issue.
Manage Your Budget
If you’re likely to be short of money, the first thing to do is to look at your budget. What money have you got coming in and what money do you have to pay out? Is there any possibility of offering a partial payment to your landlord?
Rent is far more important than a new haircut or the expensive steak dinner you’re planning. If there are any opportunities to cut down your expenditure, do it. Unfortunately, this can be more difficult than it sounds. Sometimes tough sacrifices have to be made. It’s important to ensure you have enough money to actually survive. Food and everyday essentials come first.
If you’ve drawn up a full budget and you definitely can’t afford to pay your rent, it’s time to talk to your landlord.
Communication is Key
The worst thing you can do is ignore the issue. It’s always unpleasant to explain to someone that you can’t make a payment. Forget your pride and be honest. Explain the situation.
When explaining to your landlord that you can’t afford rent, there is some vital information they need to know:
- Why can’t you pay the rent?
- When can the landlord expect their money?
- How can you work together to resolve the issue?
Remember, landlords are people too. They will understand if you’ve fallen on hard times, it’s better to be open and honest. Depending on the landlord, their reaction will vary. Don’t stress, they can’t immediately evict you. There is a formal process in place for this type of issue.
What Happens Next?
Depending on how your conversation with the landlord went, there may be a simple resolution already in place. No matter what happens, expect to receive a formal demand letter from the landlord. This letter will request payment from you and make it clear that legal action is a possibility. Don’t panic, this is normal. This is a formal procedure the landlord is putting in place in case you continually fail to make payment.
Guarantor Letters
If you still haven’t paid 14 days after the rent is due, the landlord can send a letter to your guarantor (if you have one). Again, communication with your guarantor is vital. You may be able to seek help from a close friend or loved one. Don’t let your guarantor be surprised by your rent arrears.
Section 8 Notice
If you’ve gone a month without paying and a second payment is due, you officially have two months of rent arrears. This means the landlord (under the Housing Act 1988) can apply to reclaim their property. They can serve a Section 8 Notice which is a formal notification that the landlord wishes to take you to court if you don’t pay the arrears within the next 14 days.
Losing Your Deposit
This may seem obvious but if you have rent arrears, the landlord can legally keep your deposit. This may not recover all the owed rent but it could be helpful if you’re entirely unable to make payment.
A Word of Advice
We know that finances can be a huge burden at times. Unpredictable situations can turn your life upside down. Debt is a hugely challenging issue for many people. Don’t struggle on your own. There are plenty of debt charities like StepChange out there who can help put you back on course. If you’re struggling to talk to your landlord about arrears, they can help.
Being open and honest with your landlord about your financial issues can make you feel a lot better about the situation. You may even be able to avoid those sleepless nights. Remember, landlords don’t want the hassle of taking you to court or evicting you. Try to come to an amicable resolution that keeps all parties happy.
No Letting Go’s Inventory Services
Have you struggled with landlords over deposit disputes? Don’t have the same issue in the future. No Letting Go’s inventory services can help. We offer a full, professional and impartial check-in and check-out procedure to ensure a hassle-free inventory process. Find out more about how we can help you.
You might also like
How Will The Proposed EPC Regulations For 2025 Impact Landlords?
Upload on February 24, 2022 by Lydia HorsleyThe drive to improve the energy efficiency of properties in the UK looks likely to impact landlords in 2025, with the proposed EPC regulation that could require landlords to make potentially significant and expensive changes to their properties. What are the current energy regulations? All domestic and commercial properties for rent need to have [...]
READ MOREESTAS Customer Service Awards 2021
Upload on June 3, 2021 by Lydia HorsleyNo Letting Go are proud to announce that we have been SHORTLISTED for a prestigious ESTAS customer service award! To be announced in October 2021. ESTAS honour the best agents, conveyancers, mortgage advisors and suppliers in the UK. The annual ESTAS awards occur in Spring and Autumn, attracting the top players in the UK’s property and lettings [...]
READ MOREWhat Agents Need To Know About Renting With Pets
Upload on May 5, 2021 by Lydia HorsleyWe’ve learned over the past year how much of a comfort pets have been for many people during lockdown. The government is keen to make it easier for dwellers in private rented accommodation to enjoy the benefits of living with a furry friend and is taking steps to encourage more landlords to allow pets. What’s [...]
READ MOREThe Importance Of End Of Tenancy Cleaning
Upload on May 5, 2021 by Lydia HorsleyWhen your new tenants move into a cared-for, clean property, you’re setting their expectations for how your property should be looked after. To create the best impression, an end of tenancy clean will show your new tenants the property in the best condition possible. What’s involved in an end of tenancy clean? The purpose of [...]
READ MOREGet in touch today
Supporting you and protecting your property are our top priorities.
Get in touch and let us know how we can help.