As a tenant you are contractually obliged to pay your rent and this should be your priority above most other expenses. You must consider whether there are expenses that could be reduced. This includes:

• TV/high speed internet packages/smart phones etc
• Car
• Socialising/entertainment
• Cigarettes/alcohol
• Holidays

If you are evicted for rent arrears and apply for homeless assistance you may not be offered assistance if it is found out that you did not pay your rent when you could have done so. This includes if it is felt that you spent money on non-essential things rather than paying your rent.

For financial help visit our page on Benefits, grants and funding.