Help! Crisis loan to cover rent?

[itsazoohere]

I STUPIDLY lost a housing benefit cheque last week, so I'm now £400 short for the rent. Housing Benefit can replace it, but not in time as the rent is due next monday. Can I apply for a crisis loan-or is that only for household things? I really can't pay it late-my landlord will NOT understand, and we really need our house! Can anyone advise?

crisis lo9an wont cover that much, but a budgeting loan will. but they take two weeks or so to come in.

Can't you talk to the Landlord - if the rent is only a few days late presumably it would be easier for them to accept that than start eviction proceedings.

Can't you get the council to send the replacement cheque straight to your landlord & phone him to explain you lost it & that the council are issueing another one which will be posted straight to him, then pay him the remainder as usual on the usual date?

Oh god, can't wait that long. I could get a letter from housing benefit confirming that they are re-issuing a cheque, but that there will be a delay if the jobcentre need proof, but I have to have it by monday!
(But thanks for quick reply misdee-am longtime lurker on mumsnet, and recognize you)

I could try to talk to them, but I'm currently trying to make them honour their promise of a new (safe) kitchen-been waiting for a year to have a room the kids can go in, so I don't want to give them any excuse to drag their heels further. H. B. say it could be weeks for replacement, and landlords don't like dealing with them-they want rent directly from me.

I would contact your Landlord today - telling him in advance gives him a chance to think it through even if he is initially cross. Have you been there a while and have you always paid in full on time previously, why do you think he won't understand if it's a one off?

When we moved in I had to pay my rent upfront for a year (a loan from my dsis) so this is only my second month of paying the rent to the landlord, not my dsis IYSWIM. I'm just scared as I don't have an up to date tennancy, and I've had problems with landlords before. I'm terrified with idea of late rent!

but from your Landlords point of view he has 13 months money from you, be honest and tell him, as you are going to pay he has little grounds to even start proceedings against you.

rent has to be 8 weeks in arrears b4 they can do anything

Thank god I've managed to borrow the money from someone (althogh hate to do so) so I think we're fine. Now to get a working kitchen!