POSSESSION ACTION FOR RENT ARREARS- THE LAST RESORT

The latest report, see following sheets, by Citizens Advice shows that many Social Landlords are acting too quickly in evicting tenants in rent arrears. Leading to unnecessary hardship and costs to the taxpayer, as they will often seek help from the local authority for rehousing, especially when they have children or disabilities.

Many tenants have historical rent arrears going back many years, which are often due to problems with the Housing Benefits system.

“Debt is a massive problem,” said Gary Martin of Walthamstow CAB, obviously rent and Council Tax arrears along with mortgage arrears are priority debts and should be paid before catalogue debts and non-essential debts. Debt packs can help those in debt to rearrange their finances and make realistic offers to creditors, many are in debt due to a period of unemployment or ill health and while they may only be out of work for a short time it can take a long time to recover financially. Ensuring that people claim the right benefits at the earliest opportunity can reduce the level of debt outstanding to their landlords and the Council. 

Backdating benefits is difficult and time consuming, with many not claiming because they hope their unemployment will be short lived or the sickness period is short and not worth claiming, in these situations it is worth putting in a claim for benefits and seeking advice. 

“We urge all residents to ensure that they stick to repayment agreements and seek help to deal with the problems that caused the arrears in the first place”, “there is a great need for benefit take up to be looked at by all Social Landlord’s as many of their tenants may be missing out on benefits that could dramatically improve their situation” said Gary.

Those in the private rented sector face similar problems although most landlords refuse to let to people in receipt of benefits because of their experience with rent restrictions and delays in assessing benefits.

With recent reports showing Waltham Forest as an area with a high level of deprivation, where 1 in 12 is a carer and 32 per cent of the population of Waltham Forest having at least one person in the household with a long term illness which affects their daily life or work benefits for carers and the sick and disabled need to be claimed.   Also 1 in 20 has literacy problems, which shows there is a very high demand for advice and assistance dealing with the benefits maze.

Disability Benefits can make a huge difference to the financial situation and anyone who thinks they may qualify or has a friend or relative who is sick or disabled should ring the Disability Benefits helpline on 0800 882200.

Carers may qualify for Invalid Care Allowance as long as they care for someone suffering from a disability for more than 35 hours per week and the person care for must receive at least the middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, for a claim form ring 01253 856123.

Always report any changes in circumstances to the relevant benefit departments, i.e. Revenue Services or the Department for Work and Pensions and seek advice if in doubt.

Walthamstow CAB, 167 Hoe Street, E17 3AL. Opening times, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10.00am to 12 noon.

Advice line 08701 264026

Leytonstone CAB, 547-551 Leytonstone High Road, E11 3DH. Opening times, Monday 10.00am to 12.30pm, Wednesday 10.00am to 12 noon, and Thursday 10.00 to 12.30pm.