Struggling to afford rent can be incredibly stressful, especially with rising living costs and unexpected financial difficulties. If you find yourself unable to pay your rent, it’s important to understand your rights and the support available to you. In this guide, we’ll cover what to do if you can’t afford rent, how to handle rent increases, and where to get help if you fall into rent arrears.
How to handle rent increases
With rent prices rising across the UK, many tenants are finding it harder to keep up with their payments. If your landlord has told you they are increasing your rent, it’s important to understand your legal rights before agreeing to any changes.
Can a landlord legally increase your rent?
Yes, landlords can legally increase rent. Typically, your tenancy agreement will include how and when the rent price will be reviewed. If the agreement outlines a procedure for increasing rent, your landlord needs to stick to it. However, your landlord can ultimately suggest any amount of rent increase - there are no legal rent controls in place for a private tenancy unless you're a regulated or protected tenant. If you can't come to an agreement with your landlord, you may be able to challenge the increase and take it to a tribunal.
Depending on your tenancy agreement, there are other strict rules that must be followed:
For periodic (rolling) tenancies: Your landlord can only increase your rent once a year and must give you at least one month’s notice in England (or six months for yearly tenancies).
For fixed-term tenancies: Your rent can only increase if your tenancy agreement includes a rent review clause or if you agree to the change.
Fair rent rules (regulated tenancies): If you have a regulated tenancy (pre-1989), your landlord cannot increase your rent beyond a 'fair rent' set by the Rent Officer.
Your options if you can’t afford your rent
If you find yourself struggling to pay rent, don’t panic - there are steps you can take.
Speak to your landlord
Many landlords would rather negotiate than go through the costly and time-consuming process of eviction. Explain your situation and see if they can:
Offer a temporary rent reduction
Allow a payment plan where you pay smaller amounts over time
Delay or cancel a planned rent increase
Check if you’re entitled to benefits
If you’re on a low income, you may qualify for help with housing costs, including:
Housing Benefit (for those on legacy benefits)
Universal Credit housing element
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from your local council if you need extra financial support
Look into alternative housing options
If your rent is unaffordable, you could consider:
Moving to a cheaper area or property
Applying for social housing if you meet eligibility criteria
Looking into shared accommodation to split costs
Help if you’re in rent arrears
If you’ve already fallen behind on your rent, it’s important to act quickly to avoid eviction.
1. Know your rights
Your landlord must follow a legal process before they can evict you for rent arrears. In most cases, they must:
Serve a Section 8 notice (if you owe two or more months' rent)
Apply to court for a possession order
Obtain a warrant for eviction if you do not leave voluntarily
If you have a private landlord and they are threatening you or trying to remove you without following the legal process, this could be illegal eviction - which is a criminal offence.
2. Get free debt and housing advice
There are several organisations that offer free legal and financial support:
Shelter: A leading housing charity that provides expert advice on housing rights, eviction, and rent arrears. They offer free online resources, a telephone helpline, and face-to-face support at local centres. If you're at risk of homelessness, they can help you find emergency accommodation and legal representation. Visit shelter.org.uk.
Citizens Advice: Offers free guidance on dealing with rent increases, negotiating with landlords, and applying for benefits like Universal Credit or Discretionary Housing Payments. They can also help you challenge unfair evictions or rent hikes. Visit citizensadvice.org.uk or find your nearest branch for face-to-face support.
StepChange: A charity specialising in debt advice and repayment plans. If you’re struggling to pay rent due to wider financial difficulties, they can help you set up a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or explore other solutions like breathing space (temporary relief from debt collectors). Visit stepchange.org.
National Debtline: Provides confidential financial guidance, helping people deal with rent arrears, debts, and eviction threats. They offer free budgeting tools, template letters to communicate with landlords, and information on legal protections for tenants. Visit nationaldebtline.org.
3. Apply for emergency financial support
If you’re struggling with rent payments, you might be able to get:
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP): Extra financial support from your local council
Local Welfare Assistance Schemes: Emergency financial help for rent and bills
Hardship grants from charities: Some charities provide financial support for rent arrears
4. Work out a repayment plan
If you owe rent, you could also try to agree on a repayment plan with your landlord. Offer an amount you can realistically afford each month and get any agreement in writing.
What to do if you’re worried about being homeless
If you're at risk of losing your home, you should contact your local council immediately. Under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, councils must provide support to anyone threatened with homelessness within 56 days.
Steps to take if you’re facing eviction:
Speak to your landlord: See if you can negotiate a way to stay.
Contact your local council: Ask for housing assistance and emergency accommodation.
Check your legal rights: Seek help from housing charities like Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Explore alternative housing options: Look for cheaper accommodation or social housing options.
FAQs
Can I be evicted for missing one rent payment?
Most landlords won’t take legal action over a single missed payment, but if you fall two months behind, your landlord can issue a Section 8 eviction notice.
Can I stop my landlord from increasing my rent?
If you have a fixed-term tenancy, your rent cannot increase unless your contract allows it. If you’re on a rolling tenancy, your landlord can raise the rent once a year, but you can challenge an unfair increase with the First-tier Tribunal.
Can I claim benefits if I can’t afford my rent?
Yes. If you’re on a low income, you may qualify for Universal Credit housing element or Housing Benefit (if you’re on an older benefits system).
What should I do if my landlord is threatening to evict me?
If your landlord is harassing you or trying to remove you without a court order, they may be committing illegal eviction, which is a criminal offence. Contact Shelter, Citizens Advice, or your local council for legal support.
Final thoughts
If you can’t afford your rent, don’t ignore the problem - there are steps you can take to improve your situation. Speak to your landlord, explore financial support, and seek legal advice if necessary. Help is available, whether through government assistance, local councils, or housing charities.
If you're struggling, reach out for support as soon as possible - you're not alone.
References
Rent increases from Gov.UK
