NIHE urges tenants to get debt advice

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

“Housing Executive tenants, who are having difficulty paying their rent, shouldn’t ignore the problem. We are committed to providing every opportunity to help tenants who are experiencing difficulties with paying their rent.

“Members of staff in our Accounts Unit 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.

“We are fully committed to helping tenants organise their finances so they can pay their rent and meet other expenses too.

“Our staff are specifically trained and can help by: Agreeing an installment plan to repay arrears; Giving advice on Housing Benefit, Rates Relief and other benefits that they may be entitled to; Arranging for payments to be taken from certain benefits or from your salary, with your employer’s approval; and Referring to Citizens Advice Bureau or other Advice Agencies for specialist money advice.

“Situations arise where the Housing Executive is required to take legal action to recover rent arrears. Ultimately this could result in you being evicted from your home if you have failed to keep an agreement to repay your debt.

“We would urge anyone with any concerns about their finances to contact our Accounts staff immediately on 03448 920 900 for confidential advice.”