If you receive benefits that help towards paying your rent, it’s important to contact us as soon as you receive your new benefit entitlement amount.

We’ll help you understand what you need to pay so you don’t go into arrears on your rent.

For example, if your weekly rent is £100 and Housing Benefit or Universal Credit covers £50, you will need to pay £50 per week.

Universal Credit – verifying your new rent amounts

If you receive Universal Credit, it’s important to verify your new housing costs in your online account ‘to do’ list.  Make sure you complete the ‘To Do’ by the end of April 2025 so that you don’t miss out on money you are entitled to.  Completing this task will also prevent problems with your benefits.  To do this you will need your rent increase letter sent to you in February. If you have questions or you have misplaced your letter, please contact us.

You can find some guidance here on how to complete this task.

Need help?

If you’re having difficulties paying rent, we are here to support you. We understand that circumstances can change and making ends meet can be challenging. Our Income Team can assist with:

• Debt advice: We can signpost you to agencies that offer debt advice to help you manage your finances better.
• Tenant hardship fund: We can help you apply for our tenant support fund, which provides financial support to tenants experiencing financial hardship.
• Tenancy sustainment team: We can refer you to our tenancy sustainment team.  The team offers support to tenants who are most in need.  They can offer personalised support and guidance to help you maintain your tenancy.
• Plus more!

Please get in touch if you need support

• Email – Info@brighterplaces.co.uk
• Via our online customer portal – MyPlace. Not registered?  It’s quick and easy to register for your MyPlace account.  You’ll need to enter your details, and seven-digit tenancy number so have those to hand.  Register for MyPlace.
• Call 0117 942 4600.