Repossession Advice Needed - I am so Angry (NRAM)

Nolly_2

Hello... I am absolutely fuming with NRAM and am shaking with anger.

I had best explain my situation...

Last year I had a nervous breakdown and left my teaching job (earning £37k). I was unemployed for a time and then got work as a supply teacher. Instead of being on my old salary, I am on £96 per day gross after the agency and umbrella company take their cut (including the umbrella company paying the employer's NI contribution out of my wages). If ill, I don't get paid. If school is closed, I don't get paid.

I have been in contact with NRAM over this as my arrears have increased. I informed them that I don't often check my phone (as I am in a classroom), so asked them to leave messages on the phone at home. They have failed to do so and told me they cannot do this.

I spoke to the help team about AVS but it appeared that the house may be over the amount owed, so I said I would seek to put the house on the market. They said ok, but I should be aware that, as arrears were large, they would have to ask a solicitor to apply for a court hearing for repossession. They did say that if that happened, they would be in a better position to help after putting the house on the market even if the date has been applied for.

Over the last few weeks I have had major health worries with serious chest pains (hopefully it's indigestion), and yesterday got a letter from NRAM saying they had asked a solicitor to seek a court date. The letter did include the following phrase 'we want to help you stay in your home. Please speak to us now so we can discuss the many ways we can help you'

Today I get home to find 2 letters from the solicitors - one addressed to the Tenants, one to the occupier (neither personally addressed to me).

I rang NRAM as I am now signed to go on the market (at a value to clear the mortgage and the second charge on it). The man on the phone spends 10 minutes going over the information yet again. He then says he will pass me on to the hardship team.

I wait.

He then comes back and says that the hardship team say that, as there is a court date, there is nothing they can do until then. I say 'what about the "we want to help you etc." bit on the letter, they say 'it's just a standard letter and is printed anyway'.

I will be in court on the 4th April to explain this to the judge, but was wondering if anyone else thinks that this kind of behaviour stinks in any way?

Will stop typing now as my chest is hurting again (stress, I think).

Thrugelmir

Sometimes there is nothing they can do given the circumstances of the individual case. Cold and hard I know but factual.

PeacefulWaters

When will you be in a position to pay the contractual mortgage payment to stop arrears from increasing further?

Nolly_2

Sadly not, and they know I am looking for a permanent salaried teaching job.

My total Mortgage payment is £700 per month, but after taking child maintenance off each week I have £330 per week.

Every other creditor is being helpful and understanding, all but NRAM. I have offered £300 per month but they will not accept it.

The pay cut I now have is equivalent to around 55% - I am now on about £16k pa gross

ViolaLass

Why couldn't they leave messages on your mobile?

Nolly_2

I told them that, even though I have a mobile, signal is bad so I do not rely on it for messages and preferred to have messages left at home.

They have told me that they cannot get their dialler to dial one specific number (even though I said I wanted calls to home in December, and they said okay)

I was unemployed 2 years ago and they continually phoned my home number, not my mobile

suse*

I'm sorry you've been having such a hard time of it. Can you speak to your solicitor or try and go the the citizens advice for help? Are you a member of a union still as sometimes they have free legal helplines you can call as part of your membership too.

Have you talked to shelter too I have called their helpline before when having problems renting but they also help people in your position.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/money_problems/mortgage_arrears

Nolly_2

Thanks - will be ringing my union's helpline on Monday.

As for Shelter, I looked at the website, and it says that one of the protocols is that companies should not seek repossession if the homeowner is taking steps to sell the house

Will also go to the CAB next week, but have to lose a day's pay to do so

Thrugelmir

Nolly wrote: »

and it says that one of the protocols is that companies should not seek repossession if the homeowner is taking steps to sell the house

NRAM my well apply for a suspended order that will have conditions attached, i.e. you will have a window in which to sell the property yourself. This way NRAM remains in control.

Nolly_2

I have no problem with this as I won't dispute the arrears, just their handling of it, as I would like to be able to sell and pay them off asap

sniffles

In this country there is a hard fact. Have you paid your bills? No then out you go. I am sorry for your situation though.