Background

During 2008 a total of 3628 mortgage possession actions were taken by lenders.  This represents an increase of 64% over the previous 12 month period and the number of actions being taken now exceeds the levels reached in the early 1990s.

Housing Rights Service has faced a steady increase in demand from members of the public for help with this issue

To assist struggling homeowners, and due to additional funding being provided by Minister Margaret Ritchie, via the Department of Social Development, Housing Rights Service will be piloting a specialist mortgage debt advice service to assist people who have financial problems which are threatening their ability to remain in their homes. 

Aims

The principal aim of the Mortgage Debt Advice Service is to help sustain communities and prevent people in NI from becoming homeless as a consequence of housing related debt. 

The service will seek to achieve this aim through:
• Providing specialist debt advice and where necessary, representation, to prevent repossession and enable people to remain in their existing home.
• Assisting those who are not able to retain their home to find suitable alternative accommodation.

There will be a dedicated advice line and drop in facility for clients experiencing mortgage difficulties available from 9.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday. A specialist adviser will return your call within one working day of your contacting the service. Specialist housing debt advisers will provide advocacy and representation in High Court where necessary.