Debt charity sees rise in renters worried about eviction

The UK's leading debt charity, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), has seen a dramatic rise in calls from people in rented accommodation seeking help with eviction.

Previously, it was homeowners rather than renters worried about losing their home who were contacting the charity for help with avoiding eviction. CCCS says that this is no longer the case and is receiving more and more calls from private tenants and those living in social housing who are struggling to pay their rent.

Although over half (50.9 percent) of all people who sought help with their debts from CCCS last year lived in rented accommodation and had an average of 5.5 unsecured debts, most had been able to pay their rent in 2009. The charity is warning that this sudden rise in renters seeking help with eviction may lead to increased homelessness and says that rent is a priority debt which should be paid before any non-priority debts.

Laura Carver, CCCS helpline manager says: "Up until now, almost all of those calling for help in staying in their homes were owners who were struggling to keep up with their mortgages. We have been surprised by the sudden rise in people in rented accommodation phoning us for help with eviction.

"While we have always had more people in rented accommodation calling for help with their debts, they have usually been able to maintain their rent payments. This suggests that the personal finance situation for those in rented accommodation is deteriorating to the extent that they many end up homeless."

CCCS is urging anyone who is in rent arrears or worried about how they are going to pay their rent to call the CCCS free-phone helpline on 0800 138 1111, 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.