I am a tenant > Rent > What if I do not pay my rent?
What happens if I do not pay my rent?
Lewisham Homes takes non-payment of rent seriously and will take action against tenants who do not pay their rent. Rent arrears may prevent you from transferring, exchanging or moving home under the mobility scheme.
You could get a bad credit rating
If we have to take court action to recover unpaid rent, a County Court Judgement against you may prevent you from getting credit such as credit cards and loans.
You might not be able to get a mortgage
If you intend to buy your home or another property, the mortgage lender may refuse you credit if you have a County Court Judgement against you. They will also write to us for a reference. A history of rent arrears will mean a poor reference and the lender may decide not to risk giving you a mortgage.
You could end up homeless
If you are evicted because of rent arrears the Council may decide that you are intentionally homeless. You may not be entitled to, or be offered, any temporary or permanent accommodation.
If you are having difficulties paying your rent you should see the 'Struggling to pay your rent' section of this website for helpful advice and/or contact Lewisham Homes.
What happens if you receive a NOSPA Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP) is a legal document you receive at the first stage of eviction. If you don't pay your rent, the flow chart below shows you what will happen.
