Renting a property - homeless prevention
If you are having trouble paying your rent, there are options available to help you.
The earlier you get advice, the more chance you have of finding a solution to suit you and your landlord.
Falling behind on your rent
Rent arrears may be caused by something as simple as an oversight to renew a Housing Benefit or Universal Credit claim or where the claim has been suspended due to information about income or circumstances not being returned.
Whether an oversight, financial or personal issue, you need to act quickly to try and sort out the problem.
For general information such as tenant responsibilities and rights please read the guide for tenants - assured and assured shorthold tenancies. (PDF) [475KB]
Preston City Council - Help and support
The following options may help you meet your rent payments and avoid court action.
Housing advice services
Preston City Council can help you with your claim by liaising with the landlord to see what arrangements can be made to stop any further action.
The Council will always try to offer you as much help and support as possible to prevent you losing your home due to rent arrears.
Help to Pay your Rent
If you are struggling to pay your rent, you may be entitled to claim the housing element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. You may even qualify if you are working.
The amount you receive depends on the number of bedrooms you and your family need and where you live.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is a short term top up award to help tenants overcome a problem to pay rent.
Court action and possession hearings
If you are facing possession hearings at Preston County Court, Preston City Council can:
- offer advice on the situation
- accompany you at the hearing
- speak for you in the hearing to give details as to why the arrears
- arose and the steps that can be, or are being, taken to deal with them
Payment proposals might be agreed or extra time sought to find other accommodation.
Remember, the sooner you get help and support, the better chance the Council have of stopping or delaying eviction.
Notice to Quit
Preston City Council can advise about the validity of a notice to quit and contact the landlord to attempt to see if the tenancy can continue and inform them about the correct procedures to be followed to obtain possession.
It is unlawful for a landlord to evict a tenant without going through the correct procedures.
A court order is required in order to obtain possession.
Please contact the Council if you are concerned about the actions of your landlord or their agent. You can contact the Council on 01772 906412 or by emailing housing@preston.gov.uk.
Finding another home
If you are unable to stay in your existing property, visit Preston City Council's find a home page, for advice on renting more affordable accommodation privately or through a housing association.
Homeless eligibility assessment
If you are unable to stay in your existing property and are at risk of becoming homeless, Preston City Council may be able to help you find accommodation through the homeless eligibility assessment.