Don’t be ashamed and seek help Shelter urges
A staggering 65 per cent of people in the south west who pay rent or a mortgage are struggling to make the payments.
For one in nine people, Christmas has been spent stressing about how they are going to make the payment this month.
Shelter is urging those struggling to pay make payments not to bury their heads in the sand and ask them for help.
Shelter’s helpline adviser Nadeem Khan said: “Every day at Shelter we hear from people who are feeling overwhelmed by mounting rent or mortgage bills, as the increasing pressure of sky high housing costs continues to take its toll.
“Many have spent a long time thinking they have nowhere to turn and are often close to breaking point by the time they come to us. If you’re in this situation, it’s so important to remember you’re not alone and that help is available.
“I spoke to a lady recently who was sick with worry for months because she couldn’t meet her mortgage payments and felt too ashamed to ask for help. When finally a court notice landed on her doorstep she came to us and we were able to help the family keep their home.
“We all understand how tempting it is to bury your head in the sand, but advice from Shelter is only a click or a phone call away – so get advice early to prevent things from spiralling out of control.”
Shelter’s top 5 tips to avoid eviction or repossession:
1. Get expert advice – know your options
If you are struggling to pay your rent, talk to an expert adviser who can take you through your options and advise the next best steps for you. Visit www.shelter.org.uk/advice or call Shelter’s free helpline on 0808 800 4444.
2. Make the mortgage or rent your priority
Paying your mortgage or rent should always be your number one priority. If you have other debts such as credit cards and phone bills you can take action to deal with these separately.
3. Respond to letters and phone calls
It’s natural to want to keep your head down and hope it’ll sort itself out but it’s important to read everything your mortgage lender, landlord or letting agent sends to you. Keep records of every letter and phone call.
4. Have a rainy day plan
It can take just one thing, like losing your job or falling ill, to put your home at risk. Avoid payday loans, as sky-high interest rates could make things much worse very quickly. There are usually much safer and cheaper alternatives.
5. Turn up for court hearings
If the worst comes to the worst, make sure you attend the possession hearing so that you can put your case to the judge. If you don’t have legal representation you can be assigned a court duty solicitor on the day – Shelter is one organisation that provides that service across the country. Get advice from an organisation like Shelter as soon as you get the hearing date to give yourself the best possible chance.