Rent Arrears Policy - Section 9

9.    Rent Arrears Recovery

9.1   Rent arrears recovery will be based on a staged escalation process, up to and including repossession for non-payment of rent. 

9.2   The process will be based on a preventative approach that seeks to

9.3 Emphasis will be placed on personal contact by the Area Housing Officer/Housing Assistant at all stages in the process, particularly in the early stages, in order to prevent escalation of arrears. During this contact, staff will encourage tenants in arrears to seek independent advice and information from appropriate organisations to ensure they are receiving all their entitlement to housing and other welfare benefits.

9.4 A checklist will be used to ensure all pre-action requirements have been met before taking legal action

9.5 The Council will only consider legal action to recover rent arrears where management actions have proved ineffective.

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