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Mortgage arrears

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

If you fall behind with your mortgage payments you could risk losing your home. This section has advice on what you can do if you are having problems paying your mortgage.

Many home owners have problems paying their mortgage. If you are having financial problems, you need to act quickly, even if the problems are only temporary. If you don't, you could risk losing your home.

In many cases, repossession can be stopped or delayed, even if your lender has already begun court action. You can get free face-to-face advice about your options from a housing aid centre or Citizens Advice Bureau in your area - use the Advice Services Directory to find one.

Dealing with mortgage arrears

Keeping up with your mortgage payments should be your top financial priority. If your home is repossessed and you are evicted because of payment problems, you could become homeless. Read more

Reducing mortgage payments

If you have problems paying your mortgage, it may be possible to reduce your monthly payments. This could make your mortgage more affordable and help you to keep your home. Read more

Renting out your home

If you have problems paying your mortgage, you may be able to rent out a spare room in your home, or move out altogether and let your whole home. It's important that you get permission from your lender first, and that you understand your responsibilities as a landlord. Read more

Help to pay mortgage interest

If you are claiming benefits, you may be entitled to income support mortgage interest (ISMI) to help pay the interest. ISMI can also pay for the interest on loans you have taken out for repairs or improvements. Read more

Joint mortgage arrears

If you have a joint mortgage with someone else, you are all equally liable for keeping up the repayments, even if someone moves out. The lender can pursue any one of you for the money if someone fails to pay. Read more

Selling your home voluntarily

If you have problems paying your mortgage, you may decide to sell your home. However, it's important to keep paying as much of your mortgage as you can until you have sold it. This page explains your options. Read more

Voluntary repossession

If you can't pay your mortgage, you may want to leave and give your keys to your lender. This is called voluntary repossession or voluntary surrender. Your lender may suggest this if you are unlikely to be able to pay off what you owe, but it should only ever be a last resort. Read more

Debt arrangement scheme

If you have mortgage arrears and other debts, for example, a credit card debt, you may be able to apply for a debt payment programme under the debt arrangement scheme. This would give you time to pay off your debts at a rate that is affordable to you. Read more

Mortgage rescue schemes

Some councils, housing associations and lenders offer mortgage rescue schemes, which allow you to continue living in your home as a tenant if you can no longer pay your mortgage. Think carefully before signing up, some schemes are effective and could help you to keep your home, others may increase your debts. Read more