Act as soon as the letters start. Lenders and courts take an offer to pay seriously, and free legal help is available.
Quick facts
- Lender must
- Consider a new way to pay
- Before court
- 15 days' written warning
- Free legal advice
- Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service
- Also free
- Citizens Advice, National Debtline, Shelter
What your lender must do first
Before a mortgage lender can repossess your home, they must:
- tell you how much you owe
- consider a request from you to change the way you pay your mortgage
- respond to any offer of payment you make
- give you reasons for turning down your offer of payment within 10 days
- give you a reasonable amount of time to consider any proposal they make
- give you 15 days’ written warning if they plan to start court action
- tell you the date and time of a repossession hearing
Free legal advice
You can get free legal advice through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service if you receive written notice that you need to leave your home.
A HLPAS adviser can work with you to identify what may be causing someone to seek possession of your home and recommend potential solutions, and provide you with representation on the day of your hearing.
You can also get free advice from Citizens Advice, National Debtline, Shelter and your local council.
Money that may help
If you get a qualifying benefit, Support for Mortgage Interest can pay your mortgage interest as a loan. If debts are the problem, see the free debt options.
Common questions
What must my lender do before repossessing?
Tell you what you owe, consider a new way to pay, respond to your offers, and give 15 days' written warning before court action.
Is there free legal help?
Yes, through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service, and from Citizens Advice, National Debtline and Shelter.
Can someone represent me at the hearing?
A Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service adviser can provide representation on the day.
Will benefits help with my mortgage?
Support for Mortgage Interest may pay the interest as a loan if you get a qualifying benefit.