Debt and money advice | Devon home choice

Rent arrears and debt advice

Having significant rent arrears or tenancy related debt and not keeping to a payment plan could exclude you from being able to register on Devon Home Choice, restrict your banding award or mean that you may be considered as being unable to maintain a tenancy.

Partner social landlords within Devon Home Choice have different policies relating to rent arrears so whether a bid for home is accepted will be subject to the policies of the partner social landlord.

Please find below a list of national charities should you require advice on how to manage your debt (clicking on the name will open a link to the organisation’s website). Additionally, there may also be charities local to you that you may wish to approach. Please do not approach unlicensed lenders for a loan.

Citizens Advice

StepChange Debt Charity

Turn2Us

Shelter

Credit Unions

Credit Unions are different from banks and other financial institutions. Members pool their savings to provide each other with credit at a low interest rate. Credit unions are community oriented and their purpose is to serve people rather than maximise profits which is why they offer loans at a lower interest rate than from Banks and other financial institutions. The services offered are similar to those offered by banks but they use different terminology e.g. share accounts instead of savings accounts. It is usually the case that you have to be a member of a credit union before you may deposit or borrow money.

Please click on the link below to see details of Westcountry Savings and Loans Credit Union that have links with one or more of our Devon Home Choice Partners.

Westcountry Savings & Loans

Further information

See our ‘Are you tenancy ready page’ for more advice and information on ensuring that you are ready to take on a new tenancy.

Local authority housing advice teams

You can contact your Local Authority housing team for housing advice if you are at risk of homelessness due to rent arrears and debt using the contact details below.

Please note that local authorities do not provide financial advice.

East Devon District Council

Telephone – 01395 517469

Email - [email protected]

Exeter City Council

Telephone – 01392 265889

Email - [email protected]

Mid Devon District Council

Telephone – 01884 255255

Email – [email protected]

North Devon Council

Please visit - Homeless or at risk (northdevon.gov.uk) for advice and self-help tools.