The government has announced that the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions has been extended by 6 weeks to 31st May 2021. If you are struggling with rent payments or are at risk of eviction, our advisers can help.
It is a good idea to get help early on to prevent the situation from getting worse. Call our Adviceline for free advice, information, and support on Lambeth 0344 488 9625 and Merton 0808 278 7831.
For more information on how our advisers can help you, visit our Get Advice pages

To help, we have put together some tips on what you can do if you are struggling with rent payments – it might be that you save money elsewhere, increase your income or get extra support with paying your rent. 

Speak to your landlord 

An important first step is to open a conversation with your landlord – it is always helpful to be clear and transparent about your situation so you can begin working towards a potential resolution. It is worth remembering eviction is often a last resort for many landlords. 
If you have lost your job or suffered reduced income due to the COVID-19 then be sure to explain this to your landlord. They may be more accommodating as a result and might be willing to accept reduced payments or work out a manageable payment plan. 

See if you could increase your income 

If you are currently on low income, you may be eligible for extra money to help you cover your rent and other living expenses. Universal Credit or Housing Benefit are common examples of this.  If you need help applying for benefits visit our Get Advice page
You may also be eligible to claim Discretionary Housing Payments if you are claiming benefits but don’t receive enough to cover your rent. For more information on how to apply see: Merton – https://www.merton.gov.uk/council-tax-benefits-and-housing/benefits/housing-benefit-and-council-tax-support/discretionary-housing-payments   Lambeth –  https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/benefits-and-financial-support/get-extra-support/discretionary-housing-payment-dhp

Get help with managing debt and budgeting 

It may be that the reason you are struggling with rent payments is that you have outstanding debts or are finding it difficult to manage your finances. 
If this is the case, please contact us as soon as you can and we’ll schedule an appointment with one of our advisers.  They might be able to assist you with getting debts written off, structuring a plan to repay your debts or help with budgeting your finances. 

Save money on your energy costs 

Saving money on your energy bills can free up finances to help towards paying your rent. Switching energy supplier is likely to save you money on your gas and electricity bills.
If you need help with saving money on your energy costs or finding out if you could be eligible for discounts please contact us.

Contact us

• If you need advice please call us on Merton Adviceline 0808 278 7831 and Lambeth Adviceline 0344 488 9625
• If you need help claiming Universal Credit please call on 0800 144 8 444
• For online referrals, please go to our website: https://www.caml.org.uk/advice-contact/
• For email queries, please email:  informationsupport@caml.org.uk Please make sure you include your name, postcode and a summary of your query
• For more information about our services see our website
• Or visit us on Twitter @CAMertonLambeth

Stay safe

All the team at Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth

Three organisations – Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth, Southwark Law Centre and Indoamerican Migrant Refugee Organisation (IRMO) – with the support of Lambeth Council, are working together to support Lambeth residents in the final months of the EU Settlement Scheme Programme.   

If you’re a Lambeth resident looking for support in completing a settlement application, please contact Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth via Lambeth Adviceline (0344 488 9625), email informationsupport@caml.org.uk or online query form at www.caml.org.uk

If your circumstances are complex and require legal support, Southwark Law Centre may be able to assist.  If you ring or email Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (contacts above) in the first instance explaining your need if applicable we can make a direct referral on your behalf).

For Spanish and Portuguese speakers, IRMO provides support in completing settlement applications.  Phone: +44 7422 667327 or Email: info@irmo.org.uk

Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Members for Voluntary Sector and Leisure, said: “We are clear, we want our European citizen residents to stay even though we have left the EU because we value their huge contribution to this borough. We are focussing on ensuring as many people from our diverse communities are able to access the system established by the Government.

“By partnering with well-established local charities with a strong track record of supporting our communities we can help make sure people can secure their rights to stay. We know that for many people applying for settled status will be a straight forward task, but that for some there may be challenges. That’s why we are working to ensure equality of access for all.”