Rent and help with housing costs

Managing your finances can be challenging, but we are here to support you. In this section, you will find information on housing benefits, dealing with rent arrears, and additional financial assistance options to help you stay on top of your housing costs. 

Dealing with rent arrears 

It is important that you pay your rent on-time. However, for any reasons, if you fall behind on your rent payments, it is important to act quickly to prevent the situation from escalating. Here is what you can expect if you miss a payment: 

• 2 weeks overdue: You will receive a rent reminder letter 
• More than 2 weeks: If you continue to fail to pay your rent, we will contact you in writing, over the phone or in person to discuss how we can help you get back on track. 

We will write to you and ask you to pay the money that you owe. If you do not pay the money you owe, you will risk being taken to court and may even be evicted from your home.  

We understand that financial difficulties can happen, so please call our Income Collection Team on 020 8489 4414 as soon as possible. They can help you set up a regular payment plan for you and discuss any challenges you might be facing. Or put you in touch with the Financial Inclusion team who can help you to maximise your income by ensuring you are getting all the help available to sustain your tenancy. This is an opportunity for you to tell us if you are having difficulties paying your rent. Ignoring rent arrears can lead to serious consequences, including court action and possible eviction from your home.   

Alternatively, you can visit Haringey, Here to Help to find our other available support you may be entitled to.   

To help you manage your money, we encourage you to attend one of the monthly budgeting sessions. You can find more details of budgeting sessions in our Money and Debt Support section.  

For further assistant, please contact the Financial Inclusion team on 020 8489 5611 or email financial.inclusion@haringey.gov.uk.