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.