Owing rent and other debts, you may fear creditors and landlords acting while you sort things out. The Breathing Space scheme, formally the Debt Respite
On this page
Owing rent and other debts, you may fear creditors and landlords acting while you sort things out. The Breathing Space scheme, formally the Debt Respite Scheme, pauses enforcement for people in problem debt. Here is how it works for tenants in arrears.
What is Breathing Space?
Breathing Space, a government scheme running since May 2021, gives people in serious debt legal protection while they get advice and build a plan. During it, most creditors cannot enforce, add interest, or pile on charges.
There are two types:
- Standard Breathing Space: 60 days, open to anyone in problem debt
- Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space: lasts through your mental health crisis treatment, plus 30 days
Does Breathing Space protect against rent arrears?
Rent arrears can go into the application. During the 60 days the landlord should not enforce over them, and should not issue court proceedings built on them.
It does not stop new rent falling due: current rent must keep being paid. The protection covers arrears that existed when the Breathing Space began.
Does Breathing Space stop an eviction?
It does not automatically stop possession proceedings. A landlord can still serve a Section 8 notice on a legal ground; Section 21 no-fault notices were abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025. But the guidance does bind creditors over the protected debts, and court proceedings on those debts should pause.
Possession and Breathing Space interact in tangled ways. Facing eviction? Get dedicated debt advice on your own case.
How do I apply for Breathing Space?
You apply through an approved debt adviser; there is no self-application. Advisers who can apply include:
- Citizens Advice
- StepChange (a free debt charity)
- Money Advice Service
- Local money advice services
The adviser weighs your situation and, where it fits, applies to the Insolvency Service for you. The scheme starts on approval.
What debts are covered?
Most consumer debts qualify: rent arrears, council tax, utility debts, credit cards. Some do not: court fines, child maintenance, student loans.
What happens after Breathing Space ends?
The 60 days buys time for proper advice and a debt solution: a debt management plan, an IVA, or a Debt Relief Order. Reach the end without fixing the underlying problem, and creditors can resume as before.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
If your home has disrepair, and its poor condition feeds your money troubles, call us. A compensation payment may ease the pressure.
Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
Sources
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only, not a promise; every case is different.
Related guides
Can I withhold rent if my landlord won't do repairs?
Thinking of stopping your rent until repairs are done? It is risky and can get you evicted for arrears. Here is the safer way to force repairs, and your rights.
Read
Help with rent arrears and housing benefit
Behind on rent, or struggling with Universal Credit housing costs? You have options, and free help. Here is what to do first and who to call before things get worse.
Read
Will a disrepair payout affect my Universal Credit or benefits?
Worried compensation could cut your Universal Credit? Savings under £6,000 are ignored, and money for a health problem is protected for 12 months. Here is how it works.
Read
Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.