Keeping your home

Help when you need it

Times of recession put people under under enormous financial strain and what were already tough, rent or mortgage payments become even more of strain on the household budget. If you are at risk of losing your home, it’s really important that you act quickly and proactively to secure the position as soon as you can.

You’re not on your own

But don’t feel alone, there are plenty of places where help is available.

Your first step if you are struggling to keep up rent or mortgage payments should be to contact your lender or landlord directly. Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau can provide advice on managing rent or mortgage payments, increasing your income, and other ways to avoid losing your home. There are other organisations that can also be of help … see the Housing Links section below.

If you are facing eviction, repossession or homelessness and have not been able to resolve the situation with your landlord or mortgage lender, contact Swindon Borough Council’s Housing Options Team … their contact details are in the Housing Links section below. They can provide advice that may be helpful if you are in danger of losing your home. They will also give you information about accommodation options within their district. This information and advice is available to all regardless of tenure.

Housing links

Directgov

Get advice if you’re struggling to pay your mortgage or you’re worried that you might fall behind. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for help to stay in your home.

W: www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/mortgagehelp

Citizens Advice Bureau

Areas covered include property, landlord & tenant, employment, litigation & disputes, contracts, debt counselling, company and small trader advice.

T: 0845 050 5155 (Appointments only).

CAB advice guide

An online resource  that provides information and advice on a range of issues, including benefits, housing, debt and other legal matters:

W: www.adviceguide.org.uk/index.htm

Community legal services

A service that allows you to search for a quality local legal adviser or solicitor, ask a question or choose a topic that you need some legal advice on. Topics covered include housing, homelessness and money.

T: 0845 345 4 345
W: www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Wiltshire Law Centre

The Wiltshire Law Centre is a registered charity, established in 1981 providing free, independent legal advice in Welfare Benefits, Housing and Debt to people on low incomes who cannot afford to pay for legal advice.   

For more information about the Wiltshire Law Centre or to make an appointment contact:

T: 01793 486926
E: info@wiltslawcentre.co.uk
W: www.wiltslawcentre.co.uk

Housing options - Swindon Borough Council

The Housing Options Team can assist you if you are facing homelessness or if you are looking for somewhere to live and you are not sure what choices you have. The team can explore alternatives such as social housing, private sector accomodation, supported housing etc. See: Housing Options for further information.

T: 01793 445503 or 01793 463181

The Samaritans

Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

T: 08457 909090
W: www.samaritans.org