If money gets tight: talk to us early

Money worries can happen to anyone: a job change, illness, a relationship ending, or bills that creep up. If paying the rent is starting to feel hard, please tell us as early as you can. The sooner we know, the more options there usually are, and it's much easier to find a plan together at the start than later on.

Email admin@rlancaster.co.uk, or phone, text or WhatsApp 07398 042 999. You don't need to have everything worked out first.

If you get Universal Credit

The housing part of Universal Credit can help you pay rent to a private landlord. You can ask for it to be paid straight to us. You don't have to be behind with rent to be considered. Ask through your online account, by speaking to your work coach, or by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Free debt advice

Good advice can make a real difference, and these organisations offer it free:

• MoneyHelper has information on dealing with debt and on free debt advice services.
• StepChange is a debt charity offering free, impartial and confidential advice.
• National Debtline is a free debt advice charity. Call 0808 808 4000 or use its webchat.
• Citizens Advice can help you work out which bills to deal with first and make a plan.

Breathing Space

If you live in England or Wales and have debts, a debt adviser can apply for "Breathing Space" on your behalf, if it's the right option. It gives you up to 60 days' protection while you get advice and make a plan: creditors cannot add interest or charges to the debts included, contact you about them, or take enforcement action. If you're getting treatment for a mental health crisis, the protection lasts for your treatment plus another 30 days. GOV.UK notes you'll still need to make your debt repayments, and a debt adviser can explain what that means for you.

Help from your council

• Crisis and Resilience Fund. Since April 2026, councils in England run this fund to support low income households facing a financial shock. It includes Housing Payments for people who get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit towards their rent and are struggling to meet it.
• Council Tax Reduction. If you're on a low income or get benefits, you may be able to pay less council tax.

Contact your local council to ask about both.

Find out more

• Universal Credit: renting from a private landlord (GOV.UK)
• Universal Credit: alternative payment arrangements (GOV.UK)
• Options for paying off your debts, including MoneyHelper (GOV.UK)
• Breathing Space (GOV.UK)
• StepChange Debt Charity
• National Debtline
• Help with debt (Citizens Advice)
• Crisis and Resilience Fund guidance (GOV.UK)
• Apply for Council Tax Reduction (GOV.UK)