You've been threatened with eviction
Get specialist housing advice today, not general debt advice. Here is exactly what to do, what they can and cannot do, and where to get free help today.
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation. We would rather you got good advice somewhere than bad advice from anyone.
What to do now
- Identify what you have received: a section 8 notice, a section 21 notice, a claim form, or a warrant. Each has different implications and timescales.
- Contact Shelter or your council's housing options team the same day. Both are free.
- Check your Universal Credit housing element or Housing Benefit is correct and in payment.
- Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment through the council — this fund exists specifically for shortfalls and arrears.
- Ask about an Alternative Payment Arrangement so the housing element goes directly to the landlord.
- Complete and return any court forms. Attend the hearing with a written income and expenditure statement and a realistic offer.
- If a warrant has been issued, you can apply to suspend it — but time is very short, so get advice immediately.
What else you need to know
The two-month threshold matters enormously under an assured shorthold tenancy in England. Ground 8 is a mandatory ground where arrears of two months or more exist both at the date of the notice and at the hearing — the judge has no discretion. Reducing the arrears below two months before the hearing changes the legal position from mandatory to discretionary.
Where to get help today, free
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation. We would rather you got good advice somewhere than bad advice from anyone.
If you are in crisis and struggling to cope, Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123, at any hour, from any phone.
Once the immediate pressure is off
Understanding your longer-term options is the thing that stops this happening again. Eight questions, and we will show you what applies where you live.
Related guides
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