Rents

There are new pressures on incomes and some tenants may not be able to pay their rent in the ways they are used to, for example:

• The over 70s have been advised to stay at home for the next 12 weeks. Many are used to paying their rent in local shops or post offices.
• The closing of public places and self-isolation has meant people have lost work or have significantly reduced incomes
• There’s an increase in enquiries from tenants worried about their rent and / or other charges. 

Ways to pay

• The different ways tenants can pay rent are here 
• They can pay on the phone through Contact Camden or on the payment line 020 7974 6104
• Or on-line or through a Camden Account if they already have one set up
• Or by setting up a standing order or direct debit
• If tenants have a reduced income and are struggling to pay
  The Government has said it will pay employers 80% of people’s wages (up to £2500 per month) backdated to 1 March to enable them to keep people on
• There is information about financial support for residents affected by coronavirus on our website (follow the link and scroll down)
  And information here about claiming Universal Credit and other benefits If you can’t pay your bills because of coronavirus - Citizens Advice (see also the welfare rights team briefing)

Our approach to rent arrears

• The hub:
• If tenants are struggling to pay due to coronavirus (for example if they are waiting for Universal Credit) make sure they know any payments missed now will need to be paid later
• Agree a repayment plan as soon as you can (even if it might need to change later)
• Keep a record of any conversations you have about problems with money
• Keep an eye on the hub and Essentials for emergency help for residents, or speak to the welfare rights team, if people have no money at all
• See the separate guidance about Age UK food parcels (circulated 24/3/20)

Note about court proceedings and evictions

• Council policy is that no tenants will be evicted because of rent arrears caused by coronavirus
• On 18 March the Government announced they would be bringing in emergency legislation to prevent landlords from starting possession proceedings for rent arrears for at least 3 months Complete ban on evictions and additional protection for renters - GOV.UK
• The court team have reviewed our eviction cases and will be in touch about any on your patch
• The team are speaking to the courts about our abandonment cases and other urgent evictions.
• Further briefings will follow as things change / develop.

Added 24/3/20