Help with debt

As the cost of living increases, more and more people in Northern Ireland are finding it hard to pay their bills. Luckily, there are lots of charities that give free debt advice. Housing Rights Service can help you if your money problems mean you’ve fallen behind on your rent or your mortgage and you could end up losing your home.

Problems paying your mortgage

It's essential that you get help and advice if you're struggling to pay your mortgage. The sooner you start dealing with your mortgage debts, the more options you'll usually have. If you ignore the problem it becomes harder to manage and you could end up losing your home.

Private sector rent arrears

If you don't pay the rent your landlord can evict you. You may be able to keep your home if you act quickly. Get in contact with your landlord and don't just hope that the problem will disappear.

Housing Executive or housing association rent arrears

If you fall behind on your rent, the Housing Executive or housing association can take steps to end your tenancy and evict you. Your landlord will need to get a court order before you'll have to leave the property and this will always be a last resort. Your landlord should try to sort the situation out with you before it starts legal action.

Rates arrears

Most people have to pay rates on their homes. Land & Property Services is responsible for collecting this money and can take legal action against you if you don't pay. If you're on a low income you may be entitled to housing benefit or rate relief to help you pay the rates on your home.

People who can help you with debts

When you’re in debt it’s not always easy to recognise that you have a problem and need to get help. Learning how to budget effectively is a good first step. The good news is that there are lots of charities and government funded agencies that can help you with this, so you should never have to pay for debt advice.

Getting the most out of your income

When you're in debt, you need to make sure you're making the best possible use of any money coming into your home. Check to see if you're entitled to any benefits or tax credits. You could ask for extra hours at work or rent out a room in your home to increase the amount of money your household has.

Insolvency, debt relief & bankruptcy

Many people can sort out their debt problems by negotiating with creditors and trying to settle debts, often with free help from an advice agency. However, there are more formal ways to solve debt problems but these will have a big impact on your future ability to get a loan, mortgage or any other type of credit.

Budgeting skills

There are a few key steps you need to take to deal with your debts effectively. A charity that provides debt advice can often help you with this.

Housing advice for Northern Ireland

Help with debt

Problems paying your mortgage

Private sector rent arrears

Housing Executive or housing association rent arrears

Rates arrears

People who can help you with debts

Getting the most out of your income

Insolvency, debt relief & bankruptcy

Budgeting skills

Northern Ireland Only

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Help with debt