This section contains everything you need to know about paying for your accommodation including deposits, mortgages and benefits to help with housing costs. It also looks at the costs involved in buying and selling a home. Whatever your situation, you should get advice immediately if you are having problems paying for your accommodation.

Paying rent

Whether you rent from the Housing Executive, a housing association or a private landlord, you have to pay rent in return for living in your home. This section looks at how rent is paid, what you can do if your rent goes up or you can't afford to pay rent. More

Deposits

If you rent privately or from a housing association you may have to pay a deposit before you can move in. Your deposit is usually a month’s rent, but it can be more. Your landlord holds the deposit in case you damage the property. Housing Executive tenants won’t have to pay a deposit. More

Housing benefit

Housing benefit helps people who have a low income to pay their rent or rates. You don’t need to be on benefits to claim housing benefit. More

Local Housing Allowance

Local Housing Allowance, effective from 7 April 2008, is a new Housing Benefit scheme for tenants who rent their accommodation from most private landlords. More

Mortgages

Most people who buy a house will have to get a mortgage. You can lose your home if you don’t repay your mortgage. Most mortgages last for 25 years, although you can have a longer or shorter mortgage. More

Other benefits, grants and loans

You may be able to get money from the government to help increase your income. This section has more information about benefits and about grants and loans that may be available for specific housing costs. More

Buying and selling costs

Buying a home is a long-term financial commitment and you will need a regular income. You will have to pay a number of fees and other expenses before the sale is final. There are also lots of fees and other expenses involved in selling a home. These can be expensive, especially if you are buying a new home at the same time. More

Other housing costs

Your rent or mortgage isn't the only thing you'll have to pay for your home. This section looks at other costs you should take into account. More