Have you ever missed a rent payment?

With so many people nationwide struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and keep a roof over their heads, the University of Southampton is conducting a major survey to discover the experiences of those who have fallen behind with payments. The aim of the Homematters2 survey is to find ways to improve the processes involved and to develop proposals to help people avoid losing their homes.

If you have ever missed a rent payment, please take a few minutes to complete the online survey before 1 June 2023. The details you provide will be confidential and your input will help with important research that could benefit people in a similar situation in the future. The research is being funded by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust.

Remember, if you’re finding it hard financially there is support available to you at this challenging time. Our cost of living webpages contain lots of useful information if you’re worried about money. There is help and support if you’re facing problems paying your rent, council tax or energy bills or if you’re having trouble affording food and travel costs. There are links to organisations who can help, details of how to check you’re receiving your full benefit entitlement, where to access free food or foodbanks and a list of warm places you can visit for free in Southampton.

If you are struggling to pay your rent please get in contact with our Customer Payment & Debt Team by email or call 023 8083 3388 so that we can work out a way forward. Remember, paying by Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay your rent, simply call us on 023 8083 3388 to set this up.

Plus, our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team are always on hand to offer council tenants free, impartial and confidential advice on all aspects of money, debt and benefits. Simply email the team or call 023 8083 2339 for help and support.