If you get into arrears and do not contact us to discuss your situation, The Trust will take the following action.

• We will contact you by phone or letter.
• We will make an affordable agreement with you if you cannot clear the amount in one payment.
• We may visit you – sometimes this could be outside of normal working hours.

If you fail to keep to the agreed repayment terms and the arrears increase, further action will be taken.

• A Notice of Seeking Possession of your home will be served, giving you 14 days notice of the Trust's intention to take court action against you. You should take this very seriously if you want to keep your home
• If you still fail to reduce the arrears owing or clear the account, a court hearing will be applied for.
• You will need to attend a court hearing before a District Judge.
• You will become liable for court costs of at least £130.
• Your debt will be registered in the County Court and will affect your future credit worthiness.

The Trust would seek a Suspended Possession Order if you had contacted the Income Team and made regular payments to reduce the arrears before the court hearing date. This means that you will be ordered to pay the current rent and an agreed amount towards the arrears every week.

In some cases, an outright order for possession is granted, giving you 28 days or less, to either pay in full or leave your home. This will only be requested in cases where you have failed to address the arrears and contact the Trust to resolve the matter.

If the payments are not maintained as set out in the court order, the Trust will apply to the court for a warrant of eviction. At this point our duty to help you has ended. You will then become homeless and may apply to the Council who will investigate your case. However, they may find you intentionally homeless and you will then have to find accommodation in the private sector.

If you contact us early and follow our advice carefully, it will help us to help you keep your home. You can also contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for free and impartial advice.

Remember, your home is at risk if you do not keep up payments of your rent.