Plans are in the pipeline to improve tenant rights, including changes that mean landlords can no longer refuse to allow pets, children or benefits claimants to live in their properties.
But The Renters' Reform Bill will also give more rights to landlords to repossess their properties if tenants miss paying their rent or act anti-socially, meaning it's more important than ever to contact your landlord as soon as possible if you're struggling to pay your rent or have already missed a payment.
Nearly one in five households - or just over 4.4m families - live in the private rented sector in England, with a further 4.4m living in social housing. Here, we explain what help is available for private renters, and outline where you can find free debt advice, according to consumer group Which? and housing charity Shelter:
1. Ask for help from your landlord or letting agent
If you're worried you won't be able to make your next rent payment, the first step is to talk to your landlord or letting agent. Your landlord doesn't have to offer support, but may be willing to discuss ways to enable you to keep living in the property, such as reducing your monthly payments for a set period of time while you get on top of your finances.
Before calling your landlord, put together a budget that outlines your income and existing financial commitments. Doing this will show your landlord that you're serious about getting your payments on track.
2. What to do if you've already missed a payment
Missing payments need to be addressed, so if you fall behind you should contact your landlord or letting agent straight away. Missed payments are called 'rent arrears', which are a priority debt and may lead to you being evicted from the property. When you first contact your landlord or letting agent, be as honest as you can about why you haven't been able to pay and if you are able to pay something towards the rent, make this clear. Your landlord or letting agent again isn't required to negotiate with you, but they may be willing to agree to a repayment plan, mwhich would involve you settling the amount owed within an agreed timeframe.
3. Help for rent arrears
Tenants in England may be able to qualify for the Debt Respite Scheme - also known as Breathing Space. Breathing Space is a Government scheme for people struggling with debt. If you're approved, your creditors (in this case your landlord or letting agent) won't be able to take enforcement action (such as eviction) against you for 60 days. The scheme provides temporary respite from eviction, but it's not a payment holiday. During the 60-day period, you should still make rent payments if you can. The charity StepChange provides further details of how the scheme works.
4. Check your benefits
You can usually get Universal Credit if you're working age and on a low income, which includes a housing element to help with rent. You can ask the DWP to pay your housing element straight to your landlord if you owe at least two months' rent and in some other situations. If you get legacy housing benefit, you can continue to get this unless you choose to move to Universal Credit or a change in your situation means you are moved to Universal Credit.
5. Deal with deductions from your benefits
Your landlord can ask for money to be taken from your Universal; Credit if you owe at least two months' rent. The DWP can take money from other benefits, such as pension credit or employment and support allowance (ESA) to pay off rent arrears. You or your landlord can ask for this if you owe at least four weeks' rent, and the arrears have built up over at least eight weeks.
6. Know when your landlord can evict
If you fall into arrears, your landlord is likely to try and evict you and 'seek possession' of the property. To do this, the landlord will need to provide you with a written notice and apply for a court order, called a 'possession order'. If you fail to leave by the date specified on the order, the landlord can apply for a warrant of eviction. You can find out from Citizens Advice how the eviction process works in the event of rent arrears.
7. Get free advice
If you're concerned about rent payments or the prospect of eviction, get independent expert advice on your options. Specialist housing charities such as Shelter offer free support.
If you're at risk of becoming homeless due to eviction, you can contact your local council's housing department for advice on applying for emergency accommodation.
You can also get more general advice on debt and budgeting from these charities:
Are you struggling to make ends meet in the cost of living crisis? Join in the conversation here
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