Help if you are at risk of losing your home due to money problems
Money problems can put your home at risk. Falling behind with rent or mortgage payments can lead to eviction or repossession. It is important to get help early.
If you are worried about paying your rent or mortgage, the most important steps are to act quickly and to speak to your landlord or mortgage lender as soon as possible.
Talk to your landlord or mortgage lender Immediately.
If you rent your home
If you are struggling to pay your rent, contact your landlord straight away. They may agree to:
- Extra time to pay
- A temporary repayment arrangement
- Reduced payments for a short period
Always keep written notes or emails confirming any agreements.
If you have a mortgage
Tell your mortgage lender as soon as you know you will struggle to make payments. Early contact gives you more options and may reduce the risk of repossession.
Your lender may be able to:
- Reduce your monthly payments temporarily
- Extend your mortgage term to lower payments
- Allow arrears to be repaid gradually
- Offer a payment holiday
- Switch your mortgage to interest-only for a period
- Add arrears to the mortgage balance
- Offer a better interest rate
- Give you time to sell your home instead of going through repossession
- Suggest support schemes or government help
Lenders must treat you fairly and consider your situation before taking action.
Rent or mortgage arrears and the risk of homelessness
If you do not keep up with your rent or mortgage payments, you may lose your home through eviction or repossession.
If you are evicted due to arrears and apply to Wandsworth Council for help, we will carry out an affordability assessment. You could be found intentionally homeless if your finances were not managed appropriately, which may limit the support we can provide.
Get expert debt advice early
Specialist debt advisers can help negotiate with your landlord or lender and support you to keep your home.
Free, independent debt advice
- StepChange Debt Charity – 0800 138 1111
- Citizens Advice Wandsworth – 020 8712 7800
- National Debtline – 0800 808 4000
- MoneyHelper (formerly Money Advice Service) – 0300 500 5000
- Debt Advice Foundation – 0800 043 4050
- Shelter – Mortgage and Arrears Help
These services can help you work out payment plans, manage arrears and reduce the risk of losing your home.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
If you receive certain benefits and own your home, you may be eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) to help cover the interest on:
- Your mortgage
- Loans taken out for essential home repairs or improvements
More information: https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest
If repossession or eviction action has begun
If you receive a court notice or repossession letter:
- Contact Wandsworth Housing Options immediately
- Attend your court hearing — if you do not go, the judge may order repossession.
- Ask to speak to the duty solicitor at court for free representation.
- Shelter's guidance on avoiding repossession
Wandsworth Council Support
Housing Options Service
If you are threatened with homelessness, contact Housing Options.
Financial Inclusion Team (Council tenants only)
Provides financial advice and benefit guidance for tenants of Wandsworth Council.
Welfare Reform Team
Help with:
- Housing Benefit
- Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
- Council Tax Reduction
Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
If you need help now
If you are at immediate risk of losing your home, contact Wandsworth Housing Options urgently.