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11th September 2026
Struggling with Rent? We’re Here to Help
We understand that household finances can sometimes feel difficult to manage. If you are worried about paying your rent or have already fallen behind, please speak to us as soon as possible. Our Income Team is here to listen, discuss your circumstances and help you find a way forward.
Paying your rent on time is an important part of your tenancy agreement. If rent is not paid, your home could ultimately be at risk. Rent arrears also affect the money available for Karibu to invest in homes and provide services for residents.
Early Support Is Making a Difference
We are pleased to report that rent arrears have fallen each month for the past six months. This improvement has been achieved through a combination of early support for residents and firm enforcement action where payments are not made.
We are now using automated letters to contact residents at an earlier stage when their rent account begins to fall behind. We are also testing automated text-message reminders for rent arrears. These reminders are intended to help residents act early, before an outstanding balance becomes more difficult to manage.
An Income Officer is also attending all new tenancy sign-ups. This helps ensure that one week’s rent is paid in advance and that any benefit claims are submitted promptly, reducing the risk of gaps in payments at the beginning of a tenancy.
Please Do Not Ignore Rent Arrears
Although we will always try to support residents experiencing genuine financial difficulties, residents must engage with us and maintain their rent payments.
Since the beginning of April, Karibu has attended 29 possession hearings, and seven households have been evicted. These are serious outcomes that we want residents to avoid. However, where rent remains unpaid and residents do not work with us to address their arrears, we will take enforcement action to recover the money owed and protect Karibu’s services for all residents.
The earlier you contact us, the more opportunity we have to explore the support available and agree appropriate next steps.
Check and Manage Your Rent Account
You can view your rent statement, check your current balance and see details of outstanding payments through the Rent Account section of the My Karibu app. The app also allows you to make secure rent payments.
Residents can pay their rent through several convenient methods, including:
- My Karibu app or web portal
- Direct Debit
- Standing order
- Bank transfer
- Debit or credit card over the telephone
- Allpay card at participating Post Offices or PayPoint retailers
When making a bank transfer or setting up a standing order, please remember to include your Tenancy Reference Number so that the payment can be allocated correctly to your rent account.
Direct Debit can be a simple way to stay on top of your rent. You can choose the date the payment leaves your account, and payments can be updated each year without you needing to make further changes.
Financial Support May Be Available
If you are struggling financially, you may be able to apply to the Karibu Hardship Fund for support of up to £500. The fund can help with essential household needs, such as white goods, or contribute towards reducing rent arrears by applying the award directly to your rent account. Applications can be made through Karibu’s Connect with Us form, and the published application process can take up to three weeks.
Free and confidential help is also available from organisations such as StepChange Debt Charity and Citizens Advice, which can provide support with debt, money, benefits, housing and other financial concerns.
Talk to Us Before the Problem Gets Worse
Please do not wait until your arrears become unmanageable. Contacting us early gives us the best opportunity to understand your situation, discuss payment arrangements and direct you towards appropriate support.
If you are worried about paying your rent, need help understanding your rent account or would like advice about payment options, please use our Connect with us form or or call us on 020 8607 7777.
You can also find full details about managing and paying your rent on the Paying your rent page:
View rent payment information and support
We are here to help, but you must contact us and work with us. Paying your rent should always be a priority because continued non-payment could put your home at risk.
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