Debt advice for leaseholders

Transcription

1 Debt advice for leaseholders

2 Debt advice for leaseholders In the current climate of job losses and pay cuts, more and more people are finding themselves in debt and struggling to cope. We strongly advise any leaseholder who is having difficulty paying their ground rent and service charges to contact Bracknell Forest Homes Finance or Leasehold Management Team. If you are having problems paying your mortgage it is important that you contact your lender as early as possible. Your home is at risk if you do not maintain your mortgage and rent payments but we are here to help. Our advice will hopefully stop you getting into debt and reduce the risk of repossession. Please contact us as soon as you are aware of any problems or difficulties. 2

3 In response to the economic downturn the Government has introduced a number of measures to help people who are threatened with losing their home. There are also many places you can go to get free and independent debt advice, including: Turn2us An independent charity which helps people access the money available to them from welfare benefits, grants and other help. Telephone: Website: Debt Advisory Line Their focus is to help people get out of debt in the shortest possible time and assist people under pressure to pay off their debts. Telephone: Website: National Debt Line Free advice on all types of debt problems; online application form for assistance. Telephone: Website: Citizens Advice Bureau Advice is available face-to-face, telephone, and they may be able to arrange a home visit. Their advice includes helping people resolve their debt, benefits, housing and legal problems. Website: (go online to find details of your nearest office) 3

4 Listed below are the current Government schemes to help people who may be at threat of losing their home. The criteria to get assistance will vary from scheme to scheme so please contact them to discuss your circumstances. Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) For people claiming Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Website: Mortgage Rescue Scheme For people who are vulnerable or have young families. Website: Homeowner Mortgage Support Scheme Aimed at helping people who have short term difficulties and are able to continue making some payments to the mortgage. Website: 4

5 Benefit advice If you are on a low income, Housing Benefit may cover some of your housing costs such as mortgage interest payments, loans for repairs and improvements and some service charges. You can obtain a claim form for Housing Benefit from your Local Authority (Bracknell Forest Council at Time Square, Market Street, Bracknell). You may also be eligible for Income Support and help with paying your Council Tax. For advice on these, and other benefits you could apply for, please go to Bracknell Forest Homes offers a free benefit advice service and has arrangements with the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). Their services are offered to all leaseholders to try and ensure all available benefits are being claimed and income maximised. Please contact Pal Sandhu or Harpal Ghataora on freephone or Alternatively you can bfh@bracknellforesthomes.org.uk for more information. 5

6 Pension Service If you are aged 60 or over and receive a Pension Credit, you may be entitled to assistance from the Pension Service to pay your service charges. The application is means tested by the Pension Service. If you qualify, this could result in some financial support. For more information please telephone or visit 6

7 Is your lender acting fairly? If you think your mortgage lender is acting unfairly when issuing possession proceedings then you can check the Pre Action Protocol. Introduced in November 2008, the protocol describes the behaviour the court will expect of parties before a possession claim: The court takes the view that starting a possession claim is usually a last resort and that such a claim should not normally be started when a settlement is being actively explored. For more information please visit Be aware You may see advertisements for sale and rent back schemes that are not Government backed. These companies say they will buy your property at current market value and then let you rent it back from them. Be very wary of entering into any deals; often you will have to sign a tenancy agreement that is not secure and allows the landlord to terminate your tenancy with just one month s notice. The tenancy may only last six months after which you have to move out. You may not be offered the true value of your property. Before agreeing to anything please take independent advice from one of the organisations listed in this leaflet. Usually, if something looks to good to be true it s because it is. 7

8 If you require this leaflet about debt advice for leaseholders in larger print, audio, braille or another language, please contact the freephone number Get in touch Berkshire Court Western Road Bracknell Berkshire RG12 1RE General: Fax: Customer Enquiries: Web: Bracknell Forest Homes Limited is a charitable Industrial and Provident Society Registered 30230R July 2010