Money Management and Debt

Before You Bid

Make sure you can afford all costs of moving, including:

  • Rent and rent in advance
  • Council tax
  • Utility bills
  • Other moving and household costs

If your bid is successful, you will usually need to move quickly.

Affordability and Debts

Councils work with housing associations to ensure offers are affordable.
You may be rejected by a housing association if:

  • You have unpaid debts, or
  • You are struggling to repay existing debts

If you are having financial difficulties, contact us now so we can look at how to support you while we process your application.

Getting Ready for a Tenancy

If you are offered a property, we want to make sure you are prepared to manage a home and understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Requirements vary between landlords, but you can find helpful preparation tips on Sovereign’s website. 

 

The following organisations are available to help with debt management:

 

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice. As the UK's largest advice provider, the Citizens Advice service also delivers a range of money advice services.

The Money Advice Service provides free and impartial money advice, set up by the government:

  • Advice and guides to help improve your finances.
  • Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead.
  • Check if you can afford to pay the rent and other costs associated with moving.
  • Test to work out and determine your level of debt and see how you can get back on track with your finances.

 

Debt Advice Foundation is a specialist debt charity offering free, confidential advice on any aspect of debt.

 

National Debtline is a charity which provides free and independent advice over the phone and online.

 

StepChange provides free debt advice, to help you deal with your debt and set up a solution.