If you can no longer afford your home

Having debt may lead to rent arrears or problems paying your mortgage. You must do something about it. Debts won’t go away if you ignore them.

Rent or mortgage arrears

If you have mortgage or rent arrears, you could lose your home (be evicted or repossessed) if you do not keep up with your weekly or monthly payments.

If you are evicted because of a shortfall in your rent or mortgage payments and apply to us for housing assistance we will conduct an affordability assessment and may find you intentionally homeless if you have not managed your finances appropriately. This will mean we will have no duty to assist your household with housing.

Talk to your landlord or lender

Talk to your landlord or mortgage company today. Whether the problem is caused by budgeting difficulties, loss of job, or a change in benefits. You can take some important steps to get yourself back in control and avoid eviction or repossession.

• Explain why you’re going to be late with the rent and ask for some extra time
• Be clear about what you’re doing to address the problem to help ensure it won’t happen again
• You may be able to negotiate reduced payments with your landlord or mortgage lender.
• Keep a record of any agreements you make.

Shelter UK has further guidance on how to deal with mortgage arrears.

Dealing with arrears and debt

Any housing debt should be a high priority.