Landlord Seeking Possesion?

rhubarb22

I have today received a letter from my landlord (housing association) saying they are intending to apply to court to seek possession of my home. The grounds are that I am in arrears by £275 and consistently late payment of rent. I cannot dispute either of these facts, but the problem is (and its entirely my fault) that I forget to go the post office each week to pay, and then let it build up to about 3-4 weeks and then pay. I always have the money to pay but just don't get round to it. Obviously I cannot contact them today, but if I call them on Monday, the letter says that even if I pay the arrears, which I obviously will, then can still seek possession, due to the persistent late payments. They also said that. I Pay irregularly, which I would dispute, as it never goes more than 4 weeks, and I have sometimes been in credit. My question would be to anyone who knows, how likely are they to continue with the proceedings if I pay the arrears, and will I lose my home, as I'm very worried.

pmlindyloo

Are you on Housing Benefit?

If you are then I would suggest that in future you ask the council to pay directly to your landlord.

If you aren't then I suggest you open a bank account where you can have a direct debit set up to pay the rent.

Housing Associations have to follow a protocol before starting proceedings to seek possession which includes coming to an arrangement about how arrears and future rent is paid.

You should be speaking to your local hosuing officer and asking him/her about how you can avoid court proceedings.

I think that if you pay off the arrears and set up a DD or have HB paid direct then it will avoid any court action.

rhubarb22

No I'm not on housing benefit, I work 6 nights a week so am often in bed during the day, and forget to go to post office etc. I intend to find out about setting up a direct debit, or a least paying online, as this would be easier. Hopefully they will be understanding and accept my mistake, and not continue with the proceedings.

Delree

You've received a notice of seeking possession, go and set up an arrangement with your landlord, stick to it and this will go no further.

geoffken

I bet if your employer was as slow paying your wages you would be sitting outside their pay office!!!!!????

rhubarb22

Thanks for all the advice, both helpful, and unhelpful, I do in fact get paid in arrears, but that's not really the issue here is it? I have quite clearly stated that this is my fault, I was asking for advice, not sarcasm, but as always from what I've read on these boardsPeople can't wait to stick the knife in,
Thanks again

Annisele

Your landlord won't want to go to court unless it feels it has no other option. Court proceedings are expensive and a PITA.

Housing associations would much rather do something that shocks you into actually paying your rent on time - and it looks like that's what's happened here!

I think you do need to do something to show good faith. Do you have a bank account? If you do, there shouldn't be any problem with arranging a standing order, and then you'll never need to go to the post office to pay your rent again.

geoffken

rhubarb22 wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice, both helpful, and unhelpful, I do in fact get paid in arrears, but that's not really the issue here is it? I have quite clearly stated that this is my fault, I was asking for advice, not sarcasm, but as always from what I've read on these boardsPeople can't wait to stick the knife in,
Thanks again[/QUO

i know of nobody who gets paid in advance but if he paid You 3 weeks late you would not be hapy!!!

rhubarb22

I intend to set up a dd on Monday morning, and not risk this happening again, it is just laziness really, but just upsetting to receive a letter like this, especially on Saturday when I have to wait to sort it out, thanks again everyone, you have put my mind at rest a bit. Thanks again

Kynthia

The roof over your head is your most important bill, so you've really been daft to risk this. Hopefully they are just trying to shock you into changing your ways as there's no guarantee a judge would award possession for these reasons. Judges don't like to make people homeless so if it does get that far you want to give them a reason to give you another chance. Being apologetic and having already set up a standing order to leave your account 3 or 4 working days before the rent due date might do it. However it would be best if you could convince the HA not to apply to the court on expiry of the section 8 by communicating with them.

G_M

Can't summon up a lot of sympathy (except for your poor landlord who has to chase you all the time because you are too lazy - in your own words).

Set up a standing order at your bank.

Welcome to the adult world!