Eviction warning for rent dodgers

Rent dodgers in Wandsworth are being warned that they face the prospect of losing their home if they do not pay up.

The council is stepping up its efforts to recover unpaid rent from its tenants. People who deliberately avoid paying their rent will face legal action and the threat of eviction.

Over the past 12 months 88 tenants have been evicted for non-payment of rent. More than 400 others have been warned that they face eviction if they don’t repay their arrears or keep their rent account up to date.

In total, nearly 500 tenants have been evicted from council properties over the past four years for failing to pay their rent.

People who are evicted from their homes as a result of rent arrears are usually deemed to have made themselves intentionally homeless and are therefore extremely unlikely to be rehoused by Wandsworth or by any other local authority.

In order to help tenants keep up to date with their rent payments, the council is aiming to introduce a new direct debit facility later this year. This service would make it far easier and more convenient and would help reduce the chances of people falling into arrears.

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Martin D Johnson said: "People need to be aware that they must keep their rent account fully up to date. They do not have the option of paying some weeks and not others.

"People who stop paying because they want to use the money to pay for a summer holiday should think again because it only takes a few months from missing that first payment to losing your home.

“Arrears staff work to very strict rules. Every tenant with arrears has their account closely monitored. No-one gets away with not paying their rent.

"Tenants on low income may be able to get financial help with all or part of their rent through housing benefit. It is important that tenants make sure they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to by contacting the town hall for advice."

Anyone who has rent arrears must contact the town hall immediately if they want to reduce the chances of eviction. Rent collection service staff can be telephoned on (020) 8871 6894/6745 or emailed at rents@wandsworth.gov.uk For advice on housing benefit telephone (020) 8235 8080 or email counciltaxandbenefits@wandsworth.gov.uk