Applying with rent arrears
If you are applying to join the housing register but have more than £200 in rent arrears or housing-related debt, in line with our housing allocation scheme, your application will be suspended until:
- you provide evidence you have made a minimum of six months of regular repayments towards your debt/arrears, as part of an agreed payment plan.
How to demonstrate your six month repayment history
There are a few ways you can show a consistent repayment history over six months:
- Set up and follow a repayment plan with your current landlord.
- If you're moving out, continue making repayments even after relocating - whether you're in temporary housing or staying with friends or family.
We're here to support you and can help advise you on a repayment plan that suits your circumstances and even liaise with your landlord on your behalf.
Why regular payments matter
Maintaining regular repayments shows that you’re committed to managing your arrears.
This is important not only for getting your housing register application live, but also for making yourself more attractive to potential landlords in the future.
Understandably any new landlord will want to know you are committed to and are able to remain committed to a payment plan.
Managing your debt when you are on the register
Once your application is live, there may still be a significant wait for housing, especially for larger homes.
Continuing to repay your arrears while you’re on the register is vital and will help you remain eligible to bid on properties and support your chances with future landlords.
As such you need to make sure you keep up with any repayment plan you put in place once your application is made live on the register.
Need help?
If you need help liaising with your landlord/ex-landlord to put in place an affordable repayment plan, please contact our housing team on housing.options@lichfielddc.gov.uk or speak to your case officer.