You may not be keen to let your landlord or your mortgage lender know that you have been imprisoned. However, if you don’t inform them of your circumstances you may risk losing your home.

If you suddenly leave your house and your landlord doesn’t know what happened, he/she may think that you have abandoned the tenancy and do not wish to live in your home any longer.

This can happen in private tenancies, but also if you are renting from the Housing Executive or housing association. Your landlord may assume that you have left and let the house out to somebody else.

If you own your home and are still paying the mortgage, you should notify your mortgage provider of your circumstances. If you fall behind with your mortgage payments, your lender may try to take possession of your house and you may lose your home due to arrears.

When you tell your landlord or your lender that you have been imprisoned, it is likely that they will be concerned with how you plan to keep paying for your housing. Make sure you communicate openly and explain that you intend to keep paying by either claiming housing benefit or asking for help with your mortgage.

If you feel that you need help communicating with your landlord or your lender, the resettlement officer or housing adviser in your prison may be able to help you.