Advice - cannot afford rent this month

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(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Due to a disasterous gambling time in December/January, for the first time of my life I cannot afford rent (it's due out Monday.)

I have cancelled the direct debit but don't know where to go from here. I rent from a private landlord but pay my rent to a well known agent, should I contact them and ask for a few weeks extension? What is their reaction likely to be? I'm hoping the fact I've paid my rent on time every month for the last 4 years should work in my favour but I still feel so bad right now.

I'm currently 2 days gambling free and determined to get rid of this demon once and for all, this year!

 
Posted : 2nd February 2017 4:06 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Hi ya, I would give them a shout today and let them know you have had an un-expected circumstance and you will need to pay the rent later this month. Give a date and arrange to pay it. There is nothing like having the worry of not being able to pay the rent. However, do not let it go until next week and then contact them. If you do it today, they have an opportunity to approach the landlord and explain. You don't overlly have to say what has happened, but just buy yourself a few weeks. Hope you get sorted.

 
Posted : 2nd February 2017 5:08 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Thank you so much for the advice, I'm going to draft them up an email now. I really need to get myself sorted, I have enough money to pay all my bills and have a decent amount of spending money if I just stop this madness!

I hate gambling.

 
Posted : 2nd February 2017 5:43 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

I have a decent amount of money to live on, and there is room for nice little extra's as well. I was throwing money into a machine to try and make money, but was never taking it back out. Send that email and get it sorted. You do need to get help with the gmabling thing though. You cannot do it alone. I don't need a lot of input, but what I get from here is very helpful. Tomorrow is a new day.

 
Posted : 2nd February 2017 11:05 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

I'd call rather than email, I think it comes across more genuine/honest. Be vague, apologise. Point out that you've never missed paying rent in 4 years. Set a date you can realistically pay. I'd be very surprised if they said it was a problem. Being up front will go a long way, rather than making them chase you.

 
Posted : 3rd February 2017 1:04 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Agree that whatever you do, do it quickly. The agents will care very little about it but the private landlord may well be expecting your money to balance their outgoings & the more notice they have the less chance of them incurring charges. I had an issue with one of my tenants lying & saying they had banking issues but this only came to light after I'd incurred bank charges which was very unpleasant.

I'd also warn against keeping back a 'decent' bit of spending money, if you offer to pay what you can, it shows a willingness on your part & keeps temptation out of your way too. Is there any reason why you are paying bills but not rent? Most utility companies won't cut you off after 1 missed payment, a private landlord is potentially a single person not a multinational company & may feel the lack of payment more.

Best thing in these early days is to have no access to money @ all. We all pretty much know how to survive on pennies so if you can't hand your finances over to someone, get them as far out of reach as possible.

Stopping the madness is vital & with the right help, is possible - ODAAT

 
Posted : 4th February 2017 4:14 am
Rhoda
(@rhoda)
Posts: 534
 

How are you getting on SBL?

 
Posted : 4th February 2017 5:19 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

They've agreed to let me pay later this month and no gambling for 5 days 🙂

 
Posted : 5th February 2017 11:28 am
woodley3
(@woodley3)
Posts: 232
 

Hi stopbeingaloser

Glad to hear you've got things sorted with your landlord, we've all done it at some point in our lives in burying our heads in the sand with finances through gambling as we don't want to admit our problem ! You have made the first big step in my eyes in coming on here and admitting your problem and the early days are always the hardest to get through ! Stay strong and focused on what you want and things do get better in time.

"It's good to talk and take it one day at a time"

All the Best

Darren

 
Posted : 5th February 2017 11:47 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Glad the Landlord was helpful. That will give you some space to get the money together, but to try and get some clarity on your life. Sometimes a shock is required to realise how far things have gone.

 
Posted : 6th February 2017 12:07 am
GFDan
(@gfdan)
Posts: 119
 

Well done for sorting this and the days GF.

Not easy, but your working through it

 
Posted : 6th February 2017 1:10 pm
(@stace123)
Posts: 71
 

yh id advise to always pay rent first id rather have a cold house with no food than no house at all 

 
Posted : 19th April 2021 11:27 pm
Chris.UK
(@chris-uk)
Posts: 887
 

@stace123 Are you replying to someone asking a question from 4 years ago? Are you a bot or if not, can I ask your tinking behind the advice?

Chris.

 
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