Chapter 8: Housing debt1. Social housing sectorPre-court processesPre-action requirementsNotice of proceedings for recovery of possessionWhen proceedings beginSummary cause processThe summonsLay representationCourt terms and outcomesContinuationSistDismissDecreePost-court actionMinute for recallWhen a decree can be recalledAppealCharge for removalDealing with rent arrears at court2. Private rented sectorThe First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)Tenancy types and proceduresShort-assured tenancies and assured tenanciesPrivate residential tenanciesApplication to the tribunalPayment order and eviction orderApplication to the tribunal: common rulesThe overriding objective of the tribunalService to the clientRejection or acceptance of an applicationLay representatives, supporters and exclusionsDirections from the tribunalTribunal optionsHearingsDecisionsDismissal, adjournment or postponementAbsence of clientRecallReviewAppealDealing with an eviction caseAdjournment and postponementTime to pay directions and ordersUsing the Debt Arrangement SchemeUsing an insolvency optionReasonablenessMaking referrals3. Mortgage arrearsWhat is a mortgageStandard securitiesCommon mortgage typesCapital repayment mortgagesInterest-only mortgageStandard variable rate mortgagesFixed-rate mortgagesTracker mortgagesShared ownership mortgagesIslamic mortgagesLoan for mortgage interestMortgage indemnity guaranteeThe FCA and regulated mortgage contractsMortgage prisonersFCA guidance for lendersTailored support guidance and forbearanceCustomers in vulnerable circumstancesGuidance for firms supporting borrowers with the cost of livingGuidance for customers with interest-only mortgagesConsumer dutyMortgages and Home Finance: Conduct of Business SourcebookThe repossession processPre-action requirementsArrears lettersDefault noticeCalling up notice and section 11 noticeSection 24 application and initial writEntitled residentsCourt hearingOrder for ejectionForm for charge for removingMinute for recallDealing with mortgage arrearsNegotiate with the lenderCheck for insurancesInterest–only paymentsChange from an endowment to a capital and interest mortgageReduced paymentsCapitalise the arrearsExtend the mortgage periodReduced payments or a payment holidayUse pensions or other savingsHomeowners’ support fundHanding back the keys (voluntary surrender)Using the Debt Arrangement SchemeUsing an insolvency optionTime orderRecall the decreeMortgage shortfallsThe Mortgage CharterComplaints and the Financial Ombudsman ServiceChecklist