Possession order

Ending a social tenancy

Your social tenancy can end if

your landlord evicts you
your landlord decides you aren't living in the property and takes it back, or
you end your own tenancy

Defences at court

You will normally only be able to stop the repossession if you can pay the arrears off in a lump sum or in acceptable instalments. However, there are a few legal defences that could help your case.

Problems paying your mortgage

Get help if you're having problems paying your mortgage. Our friendly, free and confidential advice service can explain your options. While it's never too late to get advice, the sooner you contact us, the more we can usually do to help. Call our helpline on 028 9024 5640

Allowed to stay in your home

You can be allowed to stay in your home after a repossession hearing. This may be because there wasn't a good enough reason to repossess the home or because the Master believed you should be allowed to stay to give you time to put the situation right.

Handing back the keys to your home when you're in debt

You should only give back the keys to your property if you're absolutely sure that there's no way you can keep your home. Make sure you speak to an adviser at our Mortgage Debt Advice Service before you take this drastic step.

Finding a new home

If your home is repossessed you will need to find somewhere else to live. If you lost your home because of debt problems it may be more difficult to find a place to rent or buy.

Evicting introductory tenants

An introductory tenancy is a trial period for your tenancy. It is easier for your landlord to evict you if you are an introductory tenant.

What happens to the property?

When your home is repossessed it is usually sold to pay off your debts. This will also happen if you hand over the keys to your home voluntarily. The money you get may not be enough to cover everything you owe.

Evicting secure social tenants

Eviction should be a last resort for the Housing Executive and housing associations.

They should only evict you if other ways to sort out the problems in your tenancy failed.

Reasons for evicting social tenants

Your landlord needs a reason and must follow the proper process to end your tenancy. They should send you letters and messages explaining what is happening.

Contact our helpline if your landlord is trying to end your tenancy. We may be able to help you stay in your home.

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