Housing Executive holding ‘Rent First’ from next Monday

Elizabeth Martin, North East Area Accounts Unit Manager explained: “In the current financial climate more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. It is important however for tenants to pay their rent first, if they don’t, they may be at risk of losing their home.

“We are running ‘Rent First’ week to encourage tenants to contact us so that we can help them make arrangements to pay their rent and offer money advice.

“We are committed to providing every opportunity to help tenants who are experiencing difficulty paying their rent. We would appeal to them not to ignore the problem, but to contact us as soon as possible.

“In addition tenants who are in arrears with their rent account and who have not made a suitable agreement may be contacted by our staff either by phone, letter or in person during Rent First week, to help them make arrangements for repayment of the debt and to offer money advice.”

Ms Martin continued: “Members of staff in our local Accounts Office in Ballymena provide confidential help and advice to any tenant who is having difficulty paying their rent.

“But it is important that they contact us at the earliest possible stage so that an affordable agreement can be made to repay the arrears. The earlier we are contacted the easier it is to tackle the problems.”

For information and help contact the Housing Executive at 03448920900 or www.nihe.gov.uk/avoiding_debt