Rent is most households’ biggest single cost, and if it becomes unaffordable there’s help to fall back on — both to meet the rent and to prevent the loss of your home. Acting early gives you far more options.
Help with the rent
If you’re on a low income, the housing element of Universal Credit (or Housing Benefit, mainly for pension-age or supported-housing tenants) can help cover your rent. For private renters, the amount is set by the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area and household size, which may not cover the whole rent. Where there’s a shortfall or a one-off crisis, your council can pay a Discretionary Housing Payment on top — you apply directly to the council.
If you’re behind on rent
Rent arrears are one of the most common routes into homelessness, but they’re often fixable. Talk to your landlord about a realistic repayment plan, check you’re claiming all the help you’re entitled to, and get free advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter. Don’t ignore letters — the earlier you get help, the more can be done.
If you’re threatened with homelessness
Your council has a legal duty to help if you’re homeless or likely to become homeless within 56 days — including if you’ve been served notice by a landlord. Approach the council’s housing team as soon as you can, and get advice from Shelter’s free helpline. You don’t have to wait until you actually have to leave.
What to do next
Check your benefits, ask your council about Discretionary Housing Payments, and get free housing advice early. If your problem is with the property or your landlord, see our landlords and tenants page and, for disrepair, our housing disrepair guidance.
Sources
GOV.UK (Universal Credit housing costs, Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payments, homelessness); Shelter; Citizens Advice. Reviewed: 3 September 2026.