From 1st December 2022, renting has changed in Wales. Our website’s advice pages on renting are up to date with the new law.
Please bear with us while we update the rest of our advice pages.
 

Dealing with debt

Whether you’re struggling to pay your rent or mortgage, stressed about paying the bills or confused over benefits, it’s important to take action and get advice. Don’t bury your head in the sand – you could make things worse.

Take steps to deal with your debt

Take a look at the advice below and click on the links for more advice or tools you can use to help you.

1. Make mortgage and rent the top priority

Keep on top of your mortgage and rent payments when dealing with debts or you may be danger of losing your home.
Priority and non-priority debts

2. Apply for breathing space and manage rent or mortgage arrears 

Getting help and advice can stop mortgage arrears or rent arrears turning into a problem that threatens your home.

The Breathing Space scheme gives you time to get some specialist advice to deal with the arrears without the pressure of formal action being taken against you. To find out more about the scheme and how to apply, click here.

Tackle mortgage arrears
Take action on rent arrears

3. Organise your money

Whatever your situation, knowing where your money goes can help you deal with debt and get you back in control.

Budget planner

4. Deal with overdue loans and credit card spending

Using credit cards, store cards and short term loans to cover daily costs can quickly turn into long term debt.

Credit card debt
Credit card calculator

5. Use free advice to deal with debts

No matter how bad things may seem there is help and support available to get you through and deal with your debts.

Find free advice on debt

Phone an adviser

If you have a housing problem, call our expert housing advice helpline

Email an adviser

If you have a non-urgent problem and would like to speak to an adviser
email us

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This page was last updated on: June 16, 2023

Shelter Cymru acknowledges the support of Shelter in allowing us to adapt their content. The information contained on this site is updated and maintained by Shelter Cymru and only gives general guidance on the law in Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law.