Problems paying your rent

Help with your rent

If you are a Derby Homes tenant you need to make sure you don’t get behind with your rent payments, otherwise you could lose your home.  If you can’t pay your rent, you must contact us straight away. If you’re on a low income or benefits you could get some or all of your rent paid for you.

Call us on 01332 888777 for advice on claiming housing benefit or making arrangements to pay your rent.

If you are already claiming housing benefit you will need to report any change in your circumstances as this may affect the housing benefits you receive.

Don’t leave it too late to get help.

Below are links to some key information contained on this page.

Dealing with debt
Food banks
Help with furniture

Dealing with debt

If you owe money to other people or you are struggling with your finances help is available. If you are a Derby Homes Tenant call us on 01332 888777 or contact Derby Money Advice on 01332 643395

If you are not a Derby Homes Tenant you can still get help by contacting the Citizens Advice Bureau on 01332 228700 or 01332 295711

One of the ways we can help is by offering you an appointment with an independent money advisor with  Derby Money Advice

The advisor can help you:

  • plan your weekly and monthly budget
  • sort out your debts, identify the most important debts, and take action
  • negotiate with the people or companies you owe money to
  • give advice on court procedures, help with replying to court documents, and represent you at court appearances, where appropriate.

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Don't get involved with a Loan Shark

If you have borrowed money from  a friend of a friend, from someone calling at your doorstep or someone you have met in the the pub or social club and you don't have a reciept or know how much you have left to pay back, then it is possible that you are dealing with an illegal money lender or loan shark.

A loan shark is someone who lends money without the licence required by the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

If you do feel that you are a victim of a loan shark, you can contact  the Illegal Money Lending Team in strictest confidence (number on right).

Derby United Credit Union and Midlands Community Finance can offer you loans at affordable rates so that you do not have to go to a loan shark.

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Other services which may be of use to you: 

Food Banks 

There are various charitable food banks and schemes in Derby City. Please refer to the 'food banks' document on the right to get more information or click here.

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Help with furniture: Burton-upon-Trent and District YMCA Happy Homes Stores

These shops sell a huge range of household furniture and white goods at affordable prices aimed to provide low income families accessible outlets throughout Derby, South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire to enable them to furnish their homes without having to go into debt.

The Derby Store offers a complete furniture package.

The furniture package is £205.00 including delivery. It is an ideal start up for families coming out of crisis and homelessness. No referral is needed and it is open to all members of the public. It's made up of second hand furniture which comprises of a double bed, one single bed, a dining table and chairs, one wardrobe, one chest of drawers a three piece suite, a wall unit, coffee table and a project box of kitchen essentials with bedding sets if needed.

This package does not include any white goods and if any extra single beds are required they will be charged at £20.00 extra per bed.

Donating your unwanted household items couldn’t be easier.

They accept and can collect donations of furniture and white goods that are in full usable condition. They also greatly appreciate donors to gift aid it where possible to maximise your donation by a further 25%.*

Customers are free to browse our stores and purchase individual items, for which we do provide a delivery service. With new stock arriving daily it’s never been easier to accomplish furnishing your home to your personal styles and tastes at a fraction of the price.

Join them as a volunteer!

The stores are mainly run through the generosity of  volunteers who give up as many free hours per week as they can. You can enquire to become a Happy Homes volunteer and join a friendly, hard working team by contacting your local store.

Happy Homes Derby

723 Osmaston Road
Allenton
Derby
DE24 8NG

01332 363010

amandaymca@live.co.uk.

Opening Times

Mon - Fri   9.00am-5.00pm

Sat              9.00am-3.00pm  

You do not need an appointment or referal.

Happy Homes Swadlincote

29 High St,
Woodville,
Swadlincote.
Derbyshire
DE11 8JE

01283 220202

Opening Times

Mon –Fri   8.30 am–4.30 pm

Sat              8.30 am- 2.00 pm

Happy Homes Burton On Trent

24 Borough Rd
Burton on Trent
Staffordshire
DE14 2DA

01283 547133

Opening Times

Mon-Fri    8.30am –4.30 pm

Sat             9.00am- 2.00pm

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