Repossession - homeowners

If you have received a letter from your mortgage company (lender) about the repossession of your home, talk to your Housing Options Adviser immediately. It's never too late to get help!

What is repossession?

If you have got into problems with your mortgage, your lender may decide to start legal action to take back your home - this is called repossession.

All lenders have to follow special legal procedures to repossess your home. There are laws to protect you.

How will I be told about it?

The first step your lender has to take in order to repossess your home is to write to you about the problems.

This letter should:

• tell you how much arrears you are in (how much you owe)
• give you the reasons why they might repossess your home
• give you at least 15 days to call them and discuss your problems
• offer you help and advice on how to keep your home

What could happen if I ignore my letters?

Firstly, don't ignore any letters from your lender!

Your home is important - do not risk losing it. If you do not deal with any letters from your lender they could go to court and take back your home.

If you are confused about your situation, take your letters down to your Housing Options Advisor who will explain what they mean and offer you help to deal with them.

Why have I received a bailiff's letter?

If your lender has been to court and got a repossession order, you will receive a letter giving you a date to leave your home.

If you haven't left by the date the court says, your lender can arrange for a bailiff to evict you. Bailiffs are employed by the court.

You will receive a letter from the court saying when the bailiffs will arrive.

Bailiffs can physically remove you and your belongings from the property but must not use violence or unreasonable force in doing so.

If you have received any letters from your lender or you are confused about your options, speak to your Housing Options Advisor now!

They may be able to:

• suggest ways in which you can delay or stop the repossession
• help you deal with court papers
• go to court with you
• offer you advice on being rehoused

It's never too late to get help and avoid losing your home.

Who to contact

Name

Salford Housing Options Point

Address

Salford Opportunities Centre
2 Paddington Close
Salford
M6 5PL
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 793 2020

Email

housing.advicecentre@salford.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 25 April 2012