Checking the amount of rent arrears It is important to check the amount of rent arrears owed to your landlord and that the arrears have been calculated correctly. It is also important that you and your landlord agree on how much rent arrears you owe. What counts as rent arrears? Rent usually only covers the amount your landlord charges for living in the property, but sometimes you can also pay your landlord for other things such as bills and service charges. Ask your landlord how much of what you owe is rent and how much is for other services. It's important that you pay all the charges. Your tenancy agreement may also outline what 'rent' includes and what it does not include. Finding out how much rent arrears you owe If you have a rent book, you should find details of your rent payments and outstanding balance there. Similarly, any regular rent statements from your landlord should set out your position. It is important that you keep recordsof these statements and of any payments you make to your landlord in case there is a dispute. If you need more up-to-date information, ask your landlord for a statement of your rent account from the date when the rent arrears are supposed to have started. Check that the amount your landlord says you owe is correct. Have all the payments you have made been recorded? Have any payments of housing benefit paid direct to your landlord been recorded? Has any rent you