Mortgage or Rent Arrears

Are you stuggling with mortgage repayments or behind with the rent?

Your circumstances may have changed, for instance because you have lost your job, you have health problems or you have recently split up with your partner. Or you may just be struggling with rising prices and mounting bills with no extra money coming in to pay them.

This can seem very overwhelming, so always ask for help sooner rather than later.

Money advisors will look at your whole financial situation but will try to sort out your rent or mortgage situation as a priority.

Mortgage Repayments

If you can't make your mortgage payments, or you are worried that you might fall behind because other bills are going up, talk to your mortgage provider as soon as possible. Get in touch with them direct or arrange an appointment with an independent financial advisor to discuss your options.

Make sure that you continue to pay as much as you can manage every month. Keeping up with regular payments, even if they do vary, shows you are committed. Lenders will be more likely to treat you sympathetically and you will reduce the arrears charges at the same time.

You may be eligible for help under a mortgage rescue scheme. In Cardiff some of the Housing Associations offer mortgage rescue so contact them to find out more.

Hafod Housing Association

United Welsh Housing Association

Wales & West Housing Association

Rent Arrears

If paying your rent is becoming difficult, get advice as soon as possible. Don't let the arrears grow - this may lead to you losing your home and will make it difficult for you to get a new tenancy in the future.

You should:

Talk to your landlord to try and reach an agreement about paying off any rent arrears. Be realistic, don't agree to pay more than you can afford.
Ask for independent advice. There are agencies in Cardiff offering a free and confidential service. They will look at your money situation as a whole and give you suggestions for a way forward.
If you are not claiming Housing Benefit is this now an option?
Think about other ways to increase your income.

Remember that you should always treat your rent as one of your main priorities.