Help with rental arrears in Ceredigion

Prior to 2014, rental arrears was a major cause of forced evictions throughout the major towns of Ceredigion. The problem was eased somewhat as unemployment dropped to some of the lowest levels in all of Wales.

While unemployment may have eased, there was another issue that contributed to tenant hardship. The unpopular bedroom tax helped to trigger reductions in some housing benefit payments. Many households experienced an instant shortfall in their budget once these social welfare payments were reduced.

For those who fell behind on rent, the need for assistance was overwhelming. Thanks to services aimed at preventing homelessness, eligible tenants have been able to receive help with these arrears. A couple of agencies have been instrumental in addressing these trends so that eviction could be avoided.

Ceredigion Care Society is a charity that has worked tirelessly to curb homelessness for over 40 years. Through two regional offices, the organisation administers a Crisis Support programme that matches available resources to residents who are experiencing severe financial difficulties.

If the situation was caused by a drop in hours or job loss, then the worker typically gets help with applying for income support. Other cases involve long-term difficulty with affording rent. Housing benefit might be an option for someone that meets the restrictions. The organisation assists with these applications as well. Another widespread problem involves management of debt. Crisis Support can include assistance with balancing a budget and managing these debt payments so that the rent does not fall further behind.

Up to three crisis appointments are available for free. Anyone aged 16 and over may request a meeting by calling the closest office to them. Residents near Aberystwyth may call on 01970 639788. For an appointment in Cardigan, residents may call either 01239 623981 or 01239 623983.

The Floating Support Scheme is an active attempt to reduce evictions. Any person who is at risk of homelessness may request an appointment with one of six specialists that rotate between the Aberystwyth and Cardigan offices. To schedule a meeting, tenants may call the main office on 01970 630092 which schedules appointments for both offices. The scheme is operated by Ceredigion Care Society for the benefit of the community.

Another scheme is operated by Aberystwyth Solutions to curb late rent. This organisation is located on Queens Road in the village of Borth, just north of Aberystwyth.

A comprehensive approach to managing rental arrears is taken by the solutions worker, since many tenants are having difficulty with multiple problems in addition to late rent. These can include defaulted debt payments and unaffordable utility bills.

Since one late payment can result in late fees, it causes additional financial distress to someone already struggling to pay all monthly liabilities. The preferred approach is to identify changes that can make all expenses easier to fit into a budget. There may be some situations where outside aid may be sought to catch up on arrears. The solutions worker can assist with locating and applying for aid, though it can be a competitive process.

If Borth is too far away, the solutions worker can travel to another venue for an appointment. Residents may call 07967 595324 or 01970 611832 for a private meeting.

All details are kept confidential. If a tenant needs help negotiating a delay to eviction or an alternative arrangement to catching up with arrears, either organisation may be able to intervene on behalf of a client. In these situations they may serve as a liaison between a tenant and their landlord, representing the interests of both while attempting to bring the situation to a satisfactory conclusion.

Anyone in danger of eviction should proactively contact the proper agency well in advance of any legal process. The sooner that assistance is requested, the more potential resources may be available to aid in correcting the arrears.