Help with rent arrears in Newry, Mourne and Down

Tenants in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland are provided with regional support when they encounter problems with paying rent. Taking no action could result in the swift legal process of eviction. A proactive approach that includes help from local aid services could delay an eviction long enough to address the problem.

The Housing Rights Service recommends that residents reach out to landlords immediately to discuss the problem and to negotiate a feasible approach to catching up on the arrears. Offering to pay a partial month rent can show a good faith effort to return to good standing. Ultimately though the landlord may be unwilling to deviate from the regular instalment schedule that is outlined in the tenancy agreement. As little as 28 days written notice to quit may be provided by the landlord, making it important that residents act quickly. Fortunately there are organisations that provide intervention and advice to help tenants remain in their homes.

The primary source for assistance is through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Traditional grant funding for rent arrears is typically not possible through this resource, as the few grants that are authorised are generally reserved for landlords who are unable to meet safety or disability/accessibility guidelines. There is one major exception though.

The Housing Executive could authorise a Discretionary Housing Payment. These awards are sometimes made to prevent an impending eviction. Residents who have faced a severe hardship are more likely to be considered for the aid, especially if the hardship was no fault of the tenant.

What the Housing Executive can do is to provide free advice on housing arrears. The advantage to this service is that any tenant who is not receiving benefits to which they are entitled may get help applying for those benefit payments.

A local office is available on Boat Street in Newry. An appointment may be scheduled by calling on 03448 920 900. The national rent arrears hotline is 028 9024 5640.

The Newry and Mourne Citizens Advice Bureau can provide help when rent is in arrears. This local organisation is able to help with all financial problems, including debt problems that can compete for a tenant’s rent money.

A free advice surgery is the beginning. Budget advice may provide help with reducing or eliminating some expenses. Advisers can also assist with applying for benefit payments. If an application is rejected, the adviser can help appeal the decision. They even provide representation at the tribunals.

Advice surgeries are available at 28 Cornmarket Street in Ballybot House. Any council resident may seek assistance through the Newry and Mourne CAB by calling on 028 3026 2934. Those who are threatened with homelessness will be prioritised so that action may be taken prior to an eviction whenever possible.

The Down CAB can provide similar assistance from their Downpatrick office. Magh-Inis House is located on 8-10 Irish Street. Clients may call 028 4461 4110 to request an appointment.

Advice NI can assist with serious financial matters and rent debts through one of the local offices.

• They share a location with CAB in Newry at Ballybot House. Residents may call on 028 3082 5250 for help.
• Another partnership with Castlewellan Community Partnership provides advice at the 32 Circular Road location. Telephone is 028 4461 6527 for anyone near Castlewellan.
• Newcastle residents may call 028 4461 6527 for an appointment. The location is 10B Donard Street at Kiaros Centre.
• Ballymote Centre in Downpatrick is the fourth location. Telephone is also 028 4461 6527. The office is located on 40 Killough Road.

Disability Action does not have a local office but still provides telephone support to residents of Newry and Mourne. Any household that includes an individual who lives with a disability may call the Dungannon-based organisation on 028 8775 2372.

The Newry and Mourne Ethnic Minority Support Centre is able to provide direct support for tenants who are having difficulty accessing benefits. An adviser can help explain eligibility guidelines as well as assist with the actual benefit application. This agency operates from Town Hall in Newry. All enquiries may be directed to 028 3025 2544.

Landlords that do decide to pursue eviction must proceed carefully to remain compliant with the law. Advisers with any of the aid agencies can provide support when a tenant is being unlawfully evicted. The goal is to find an alternative solution that fixes the arrears without ever having to put the client on a path that would result in homelessness.