If you are struggling to pay your rent you may be entitled to some Government help. If you have a low income or receive certain benefits you may be able to claim Housing Benefit or Local Housing Allowance. Depending on your situation this may pay all or part of your rent.

To check what benefits you can claim you could visit Turn 2 Us, a website with a benefits calculator. If you are struggling with other debts and would like to speak to someone about what benefits you can claim please call our helpline. One of our specialist advisors will be able to help you.

If you are being evicted from your home please call our helpline. Our advisors can give you specialised advice and help you to solve your housing problems.

If you are homeless you may be able to get emergency accommodation or your local council may be able to find you a home. Please contact Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity for more information. Their advisors will be able to help and support you in finding somewhere else to live.

If you are not sure what type of tenancy agreement you have you should contact your landlord or check your tenancy agreement. All landlords have to supply a tenancy agreement to their tenants and this will say what type of tenancy you have.

Some private landlords use a rental agent to find new tenants and they may do a basic credit search. They will check your previous addresses and will see if you have any county court judgments or if you have ever been bankrupt.

If you are worried that this may affect you being able to rent, you could offer to pay a larger deposit. You could also ask a family member or friend to be a guarantor for your rent or supply references from a previous landlord.