Don't Forget to Pay Your Rent Before You go on Holiday - 16-07-2008

A new campaign is being launched, with posters on buses, to urge Council tenants to make sure their rent repayments are up to date before they go on their summer holiday.

Every year, during the peak holiday season, the number of tenants going into rent arrears increases.

The reasons given are that they have fallen behind with their rent because they have been away on holiday and forgotten to organise payment before they left, or that they simply cannot afford to pay their rent because of paying for their holiday.

However non-payment of rent is serious and can ultimately result in a tenant losing their home.

The Council does all it can to work with tenants who have difficulty in meeting their rent payments and has a free and independent debt advice and information service available to all Council tenants to help them maximise their income and prioritise any debt they may have.

There is a procedure which the Council must follow with regard to chasing up rent repayments from tenants.

The process includes letters being sent to tenants, phone calls, visits to the property and, ultimately a court order requesting the tenant vacate the property.

The Debt Advice and Information Service is on offer to tenants at every stage and there is always the opportunity to discuss making more affordable payments - based on individual circumstances.

John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Housing, said: "Evicting a tenant out of a Council house is the last thing the Council wants to do and every possible step is taken to avoid this situation.

"However, people need to be reminded that it could happen if they fail to pay their rent or fall behind on their rent arrears payments. I would urge anyone facing difficulties in paying their rent to contact the council's rent service for advice and assistance."

For advice and information, call the Council on (0118) 939 0784 or go to www.reading.gov.uk

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