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If you are about to become homeless you may have rights to stay in your home. Negotiate with your landlord or lender. If you are having problems with the people you live with you may be able to get help to improve your relationship.
You may be able to get help from the Housing Executive if the condition of your home is damaging your health, or your home is unsuitable for you and your family.
The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland.
Staying in your home
Homeowners or tenants usually won't have to leave the property without a court order. In most cases your landlord or lender will have to follow a lengthy legal process before you have to leave your accommodation.
Even after starting legal proceedings to evict you it can take time to get to court. Once in court you may be able to delay or stop the eviction. The court will not automatically repossess your home if you own it. Tenants usually find it harder to stop the eviction once the case is in court.
Going to court can be quite expensive. You could end up being liable for some of the court costs. Get advice if you are considering going to court.
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Negotiate with your lender or landlord
If your landlord or lender has asked you to leave but you want to stay in your accommodation try to negotiate with them. If you have been asked to leave because you owe money try to negotiate to pay it back. If your landlord is unhappy with your behaviour you should ask for time to put things right, especially if your landlord is complaining about the noise. If it is the first complaint your landlord may be prepared to give you a second chance.
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Negotiate with friends or relatives
If you are staying with friends or relatives, ask if you can stay for a bit longer while you try to find somewhere else to live.
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Get help to improve your relationship
Mediation and counselling may be able to help if you are having problems with the people you live with. Mediation can be useful if:
- you are splitting up with your partner
- you are having problems with your parents or carers
- you are having problems with your neighbours.
While mediation and counselling can be useful, they are not appropriate in every case. If you are considering mediation or counselling you should get advice first.
Keep copies of all relevant documents. Advice agencies will usually ask for documents when you are looking for advice.
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Improve the conditions of your home
The Housing Executive may be able to help if the condition of your home is damaging your health or your home is unsuitable for you and your family. Housing Executive tenants, housing association tenants, private tenants and homeowners can all apply for help from the Housing Executive. The Housing Executive can help you:
You can also contact the  Environmental Health Department of your local council for help with repairs .
Whatever your housing situation you should get advice as soon as possible . An adviser can help you work out your housing options and explain any help which is available. Advice is available from Housing Rights Service's housing advice helpline.
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Homelessness Checklist
