Neither the Housing Executive nor your registered housing association wish to make anyone homeless and will always take all reasonable steps to try to resolve tenancy or rent arrears problems. However, if you do not reply to letters or visits and all else fails, they will apply to the courts to repossess a property.
The most common ground for eviction is non-payment of rent, although it is possible for tenants breaching any other aspect of their tenancy agreement to be evicted.
Once a possession order is obtained from the courts any application to change the terms of that order or to suspend the eviction must be made to the court itself rather than the Housing Executive or your housing association. If you are facing a possession order, it is advisable to seek independent legal advice. You can contact a solicitor directly or the local Citizens Advice Bureau or Advice NI can offer free advice. Please use the links below to acess the relevant website:
There is no guarantee that the courts will not evict you if you have children.
If you are evicted you will have to find alternative accommodation for yourself and anyone else who is living with you. Tenants who are evicted for non-payment of rent are likely to be considered to have made themselves homeless intentionally, in which case the Northern Ireland Housing Executive will have no obligation to provide them with alternative accommodation (except for a short period to give them a chance to find another home for themselves).
The earlier you take action or get advice the better. It is more difficult to make agreements at a late stage.
You may apply for the possession order to be suspended. The court will then reconsider your case but may not agree to alter the decision.
Remember, if you are having difficulties paying your rent:
Property and housing
