Introduction

If you are having difficulty paying your rent we can provide advice and support. You may also be able to receive help with your rent. There are a variety of benefits you may be able to claim, which can help in paying your rent, even if you are working. Please contact the Rent Management Service or any Customer Service Point for help as soon as possible.

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Problems with other bills/debts?

If you are having problems with other bills and debts, it is important that you act quickly.  You need to sort out bills or debts before they get worse. The Rent Management Service can help and advise you. We also have a Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service that can provide specialist help. For further information please see:

• Council Tenants - Help with managing your money

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What happens if I do not pay my rent?

Your home is at risk if you do not maintain regular rent payments. Please contact the Rent Management Service as soon as you have a problem with making a payment.

If we have to take legal action to recover rent arrears the court can:

• Make a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against you. This may affect your ability to get credit in the future including a mortgage, credit card or loan. You will also have to pay court costs on top of the rent arrears that you owe.
• Grant a Possession Order on your home which could lead to you losing your home. You could also be liable for court costs.

If you are an introductory tenant, the court had very little discretion but to grant a Possession Order. It is essential that you contact the Rent Management Service urgently if you are facing court action.

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What other housing accounts may I have to pay?

There are other accounts that are separate charges and not related to your rent. These are known as sub accounts and are charges such as:

• Tenants home contents insurance premiums
• Supporting people charges
• Specific other charges account

You will receive a letter or a bill when a sub account is raised against your tenancy.

If you do have sub accounts, it is important that you arrange to repay them promptly. You can contact the Rent Management Service or any Customer Service Point to discuss repayment.

If you are in arrears and owe sub account charges, then it is important that you contact us. We can take legal action to recover sub account debts if they are not repaid.

You can use the same methods of payment that you can for paying rent except for PayPoint, payzone, E-pay, text payment and housing benefit.

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Further help and advice

Avon and Bristol Law Centre

Bristol Credit Union - 0117 9543585

Bristol Debt Advice Centre

Bristol MIND

Citizens Advice Bureau

Housing Benefits

National Debt Line

Shelter

Tenant Support Service

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service

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Contact us

If you have a query relating to paying your rent you can contact the Rent Management Service by:

Email: rent.management@bristol.gov.uk

Telephone: 0117 922 2200

Textphone: 0117 357 4444

Fax: 0117 353 2359

In Person:  You can speak to someone face to face by telephoning the Rent Management Service and ask for an appointment or you can visit any Customer Service Point

By Letter: Rent Management Service (NethHO), PO Box 595, Bristol, BS99 2AW

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 8.00pm

You can pay your rent 24 hours a day online, using our automated telephone payment line or by text.

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