Problems Paying Your Rent? A Helpful Guide
WHY IS PAYING YOUR RENT SO IMPORTANT?
Our income comes from rents. Some of your rent goes towards day to-day costs such as repairs and running the office. Some of it is put aside for major improvements to our houses in the future.
That’s why it’s very important that your rent is paid every month whether directly by you or on your behalf by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
If you are entitled to partial Housing Benefit/ Universal Credit then it is important you pay any shortfall in rent each month.
You risk getting a poor tenancy reference and owing rent can affect your chances of getting a transfer or offer of housing from another provider.
Legal Action is taken if no suitable repayment plan is made, or if arrangements are broken and this could result in you losing your home.
WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY ALL OF MY RENT THIS MONTH?
There may be times when you have difficulty paying your rent; as soon as you start to get into difficulties, contact your Housing Officer on 0141 959 2552 or email HousingManagement@wsha.org.uk
Your Housing Officer can provide advice and assistance which may include making a realistic arrangement with you to pay your rent or referring you to our Welfare Rights Officers for support and assistance.
If arrears continue to increase we will take legal action and in some cases this may lead to us recovering possession of your home, a poor tenancy reference and other implications. Please do not let this happen to you and speak to us.
l’M ON A LOW INCOME, CAN I GET HELP WITH MY RENT?
If you are on a low income or in receipt of any kind of benefit you may qualify for help with paying your rent through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Our Welfare Rights Officers can give you information and advice on making a claim and can help you to complete the claim form plus help with applications for other social security benefits e.g. pensions and tax credits.
Please call the office on 0141 959 2552 to arrange an appointment with them or email: AdviceServices@wsha.org.uk
Please note you may need more than one appointment.
MONEY & DEBT ADVICE
This is not a service we offer but you can get advice locally from:
Citizens Advice Bureau
195C Drumry Road East Drumchapel
Glasgow G15 8NS
Tel 0141 944 2612 or 0808 800 9060
https://www.drumchapelcab.org.uk/
ENERGY BILLS
If you are struggling with energy bills contact Home Energy Scotland. Home Energy Scotland (HES) provide advice on energy saving, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel, cutting water waste & more.
They can help you get the best deal for your gas and electric, understand your bills, lower your energy usage, manage your heating system to suit your life style and help arrange fuel debt repayment plans.
You can contact them on Home Energy Scotland 0808 808 2282 or visit their website: https://www.homeenergyscotland.org
LEGAL & HOUSING ADVICE
If you leave us with no choice but to start legal action against you for non payment of rent you should take your own legal advice by contacting your own Solicitor or some of the organisations detailed below (please note this list is not exhaustive)
Shelter
116 Osbornes Street
Glasgow
G1 5QH
Tel: 0808 800 4444
www.scotland.shelter.org.uk
Drumchapel Advice Centre
Unit 1 KCEDG
Ladyloan Place
Glasgow G15 8LB
Tel: 0141 944 0507
CAB
195C Drumy Road East
Drumchapel
Glasgow G15 8NS
Tel: 0141 944 2612 or 0808 800 9060
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Legal Services Agency
Fleming House
134 Renfrew Street
Glasgow G3 6ST
Tel: 0140 353 3354
www.lsa.org.uk/
Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association
The Whiteinch Centre, 1 Northinch Court, Glasgow, G14 0UG
Telephone 0141 959 2552
Email:wsha_admin@wsha.org.uk
A Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC035633
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.