Debt, welfare and repairs advice
Get advice on your repairs, rent and tenancy queries.
Our housing and asset management teams now regularly hold drop-in advice surgeries at Morland Mews.
One of our housing team can also drop in to help you with any tenancy queries when out visiting our other properties.
The team is also doing Staying Connected visits to check we have up to date information on your tenancies.
You will get a letter from our housing and communities team before any visits to your immediate neighbourhood. But please feel free to contact us ahead if you want to make an appointment in your own home or at our Morland Mews office for advice on rent, money matters, repairs and more.
Advice and support sessions
Housing officer Nicky and assistant property manager Lorraine now hold advice and support surgeries on rent, repairs and tenancy matters at 60 Morland Mews every Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 12pm. Please contact us if you have a question about the surgeries or want to book an appointment.
Email info@barnsbury.org or call 020 7704 2324.
We also have drop-in surgeries at the Highbury bungalow for Highbury and Ronald Roads tenants every Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 12 noon. Contact Colette for details and to arrange an appointment.
To contact Colette email colette@barnsbury.org or call 020 7704 2324.
Rent arrears
If you are having trouble paying your rent, please get in touch with us straightaway. We’d much rather talk to you about the problem than let things get worse.
We will talk through ways to help you pay your rent and clear your arrears. This could mean agreeing an arrangement to pay back arrears in realistic amounts over a reasonable period of time.
If we are unable to contact you or you don’t respond to letters about rent you owe, or you don’t keep to a payment agreement, we will take legal action to recover the money you owe. This could result in you losing your home.
If you owe rent and don’t stick to an agreement to repay this, you will no longer be eligible to rent a parking space, garage or shed from us.
Money advice and support with benefits
BHA offer a free, confidential service to give you advice about managing your money, avoiding arrears, dealing with debt and information about the benefits you may be able to claim. Contact us to find out more about this service and how we can help you.
The following organisations can also offer help and support:
- National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000
- Islington Foodbank: 07753 222 775, info@islington.foodbank.org.uk
- Citizens Advice Bureau: 0300 330 1197
- Help on your Doorstep: 020 3931 6080
If you’re on welfare benefits, you may be eligible to apply for a budgeting loan to help buy furniture and white goods (such as a fridge, freezer or washing machine) or help with moving costs. This is an interest free loan. You can apply online at: www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits/how-to-claim or visit your nearest JobCentre Plus.
Please contact us if you are having money worries and we will try to help in any way we can.
Free water-saving gadgets
Thames Water offer free devices that can help you save water, energy and money at home.
It can also offer discounted rates if you or someone in your household fits certain criteria.
You can enjoy lower energy bills from heating less water, and metered customers can save on their water bills too.
From shower-heads, to save-a-flush devices and inserts for your taps, there are lots to choose from. They’re really simple, easy to fit and they’re completely free for residential supply customers.
Find out more
If you are worried about debts, you can contact:
- Islington Council Benefits and money advice: 020 7527 8222, heretohelp@islington.gov.uk ,www.islington.gov.uk/costofliving
- Shine London Energy advice service and fuel poverty referral network: 0300 555 0195, shine@islington.gov.uk, www.shine-london.org.uk
- Islington People’s Rights Free welfare benefits and debt advice: 020 7561 3685, info@ipradvice.org.uk, www.ipradvice.org.uk
- Islington Law Centre Legal advice on benefits, debt, housing, immigration and more: 020 7288 7630, info@islingtonlaw.org.uk, www.islingtonlaw.org.uk