Short of rent

[singlemom]

I am sorry for keep asking for advice. However, I seem to be in a situation where I am inundated with problems.

I have rented privately for over four years with my three daughters.(the youngest is 13) (the eldest two are at Uni) However, they still live with me during their long Uni holidays.
(my middle daughter normally comes home most weekends)

I have always been excellent at paying my rent. I have turned my life around. I pay all priority bills on time. I still suffer with debt problems associated with non priority debts.

My landlord put the rent up by 600 pounds a year in January. Also from September I received a massive drop in housing benefit (although, they said they still take into account I have three daughters, though the 2 eldest are at Uni)
For the first time ever...I am short of rent.

I can pay most of it on Tuesday when the rent is due. (however, I am short by 250). I can pay the remainder by the 12th November. I feel nervous about approaching the agency, though I know I have to.
If up to now I have had an excellent record for paying rent, do you think this would stop the landlord renewing the contract?

I applied for an overdraft online but was turned. I suffer from severe anxiety so it has brought on my depression again.

The problem is I should have an emergency fund to turn to. I know it is imperative I start this month as soon as I receive wages.

[seduraed]

Re: Short of rent

Talk to the agency as soon as possible . Make sure that whatever date you promise the rent it is paid. If you have been a good tenant aqnd only been a few days late this once I dont think the kandlord will fail to renew as he will then have to go through the processof vetting new tenants and possibly havingthe property empty . Whatever date you agree to make the payment on the make sure that it happens no matter what .

[Sapphire]

Re: Short of rent

Contact the Agency asap, explain the situation and tell them you will pay the difference when you can, whilst you're there ask if there's any possibility of a reduction in the rent as you are a long and established/trusted tenant.
When you've sorted that out, sit you're children down and explain to them that the bank of mum is now closed and you can no longer afford to help fund them.
Sorry if that sounds harsh, but its time for tough love and they need to understand that you just cannot do it anymore,

[labman]

Re: Short of rent

It would probably be worth filling in an Income and Expenditure sheet as well, just so you can see in black and white exactly where your money is going. It will also help you to calculate exactly what you need each month for priority debts, as clearly something has gone very wrong recently, obviously including the change in benefit.

The rent has increased by £50 pcm, but for some reason you are short by 5 times that when previously you've always managed. That really is a big change.

If you have to adjust payments you are making to non-priority debts, then so be it, but completing an I&E Form will help you see things as they are - it really is a useful exercise when money is tight. There's a good one here:

http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/en...=england_wales

[singlemom]

Re: Short of rent

Thanks for all your replies, I feel a lot better now.
I agree Labman I need to fill out an I and E form.
There has been a change in circumstances. My housing benefit and tax credits have been substantially reduced. However, I am still helping my middle daughter out financially. (until her DLA comes in)
My Company have offered to help me out by increasing my hours. They feel next year I can receive commission , therefore, I would not be so reliant on housing benefit (which is low anyway)

My ultimate aim is to reach a stage in life where I am without financial worries. I really want to start next month building up an emergency fund.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!