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Ask An Expert - Rent or Mortgage Arrears · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: I'm behind on my rent or mortgage payments and feel anxious about what might happen.
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  SPEAKER_00: What should I focus on first?
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  SPEAKER_00: Falling behind on rent or mortgage payments can feel extremely frightening.
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  SPEAKER_00: Housing is such a fundamental part of feeling safe and secure that when payments start to slip, it can create a lot of anxiety.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: Many people in this situation describe worrying constantly about letters arriving or imagining worst-case scenarios about what might happen next.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: If this is something you're facing, a helpful first step can be trying to understand exactly where things currently stand.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: When stress builds up, it's very common to avoid opening letters or checking accounts because it feels too overwhelming.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: However, having a clear picture of the situation, such as how many payments are outstanding and what communication you've received, can often reduce uncertainty and help you decide what to do next.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_00: Another important step is often communication.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: Contacting your landlord or mortgage provider might feel uncomfortable, but many housing providers have processes for supporting people who are experiencing temporary financial difficulty.
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  SPEAKER_00: Reaching out early can sometimes help create space to discuss possible arrangements.
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  SPEAKER_00: It can also be reassuring to know that there are organisations that specialise in housing and debt advice.
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  SPEAKER_00: These services often provide free and confidential guidance and can help people understand their rights and options when dealing with housing payments.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_00: Alongside the practical side, it's important to acknowledge the emotional impact that housing worries can have.
• 1:56
  SPEAKER_00: Concerns about losing a home can create significant stress, which may affect sleep, concentration, and even relationships.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: If you find yourself constantly worrying about the situation, speaking with a counsellor through your EAP provider can provide a safe place to talk about those fears and help you to think about the situation more calmly.
• 2:21
  SPEAKER_00: While housing arrears can feel overwhelming, gathering information, seeking advice, and taking one step at a time can often help make the situation feel more manageable.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: Please note this information is general guidance and not legal or financial advice.