What to do if you’re struggling to pay rent
How much can a landlord increase rent?
If your landlord wants to increase your rent, they need to follow rules that depend on the type of tenancy you have.
You can check what type of tenancy you have using Shelter’s tenancy status checker if you live in or .
There isn't a specific limit on how much a private landlord can increase your rent, but it should be fair and reasonable and in line with local average rents.
When can a landlord increase rent?
Your landlord can suggest a rent increase but you do not have to agree to it.
If you have a fixed term tenancy agreement, which runs for a specific period, your landlord can only increase the rent before the fixed term is up if your tenancy agreement says they can.
If your fixed term agreement doesn’t say your landlord can increase the rent and you don't agree to the increase, the landlord must wait until the fixed term ends.
If you have a periodic tenancy agreement, which rolls week-by-week or month-by-month, the landlord can’t normally increase the rent more than once a year without your agreement. They should also give you at least one month's notice.
Remember – once you pay the higher amount, it legally becomes your new rent – even if you’ve told your landlord you’re unhappy with the increase.
What to do if you disagree with a rent increase
If you’re facing a rent increase, create a budget so you’re clear on what you can afford.
You may be able to negotiate with your landlord. You could show them the rental cost of similar properties in your area and suggest an amount that works for both of you. For example, if your landlord wants to increase your monthly rent from £850 to £900, you could suggest meeting in the middle and paying £875.
Your landlord might be happy to accept a lower rent rather than risk losing you as a tenant.
If you can’t reach an agreement, you could look at challenging the rent increase. For more information, visit or .
Help with rent payments and housing costs
Universal Credit for housing costs
Universal Credit is a government payment to help with your living costs.
If you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you may be able to receive money to put towards your housing costs. This could help pay for your rent to a private landlord or maintenance service charges.
For more information, visit GOV.UK: .
Housing Benefit
In some situations, you may have to claim Housing Benefit instead of Universal Credit to help pay your rent. Housing Benefit is paid by your local council.
You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if at least one of these applies to you:
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You’ve reached the
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You’re in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing
For more information, visit GOV.UK: .
Discretionary Housing Payments
If you claim the housing element of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit but need extra support, you may be able to get additional help from your local council.
Known as a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), this can help with certain expenses, such as a rent shortfall, rent deposits, and moving costs.
For more information, visit GOV.UK: .
Council Tax Reduction
If you’re on a low income or claiming certain benefits, you may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction – or Council Tax Support – to help pay up to 100% of your council tax bill.
What you could receive depends on your circumstances, household income, and where you live – as each council runs its own scheme.
For more information, visit GOV.UK: .
What happens if you can’t pay your rent?
As soon as you miss a payment, you’ll be in ‘arrears’ – a type of debt where you owe rent to your landlord or housing association.
It’s important to deal with this straight away. You could be evicted and lose your home if you don’t pay your rent, but there are ways you can get support.
Help with rent arrears
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, you should let your landlord or letting agency know as soon as you can. Don’t ignore letters or requests to pay – they need to know what’s going on. They don’t have to help, but they might give you extra time to pay or reduce your payments.
Even if you can’t pay all the money, paying back some over time might stop you from being evicted. Review your budget to see what you can afford to pay.
GOV.UK has a list of to help you handle your rent arrears. For example, a debt adviser may apply for ‘’ on your behalf – temporary protection from your creditors while you make a plan.
You can also get .
This article was last updated: 07/06/2024, 07:27
