Mortgage woes...

[Nini74]

I'm currently on maternity leave, receiving just SMP after the first 6 weeks. Before I finished work, I contacted mortgage co and told them that my situation was going to change temporarily, sent them a letter from my accounts dept showing what my income would be (which works out at less than the mortgage payments). I asked for a payment holiday or break so that the outstanding payments could be added onto the end of the mortgage. They said they couldn't do this.

I then started maternity leave and managed (after borrowing from family) to pay the first 3 months mortgage in full. I contacted mortgage co again and filled in an Income & Expenditure form. They responded saying they still couldn't help.

I've phoned them twice and confirmed that I will be able, in August, to pay the full amount plus £100 towards the arrears every month. They won't accept this.

I have now had a letter saying they're going to start possession proceedings. I feel they are being unreasonable and unfair. I have kept them advised of the sitation, phoned them on numerous occasions asking for help and they refuse to be reasonable.

I have been with them for over 7 years and have never missed or been late with a payment until now. I am under £1,500 in arrears at the moment and have continued to make monthly payments, just not for the full amount. (about half payments since December).

Do you think their being unfair?

(sorry for the length of this post, i just feel like i now have to go back to work earlier than i wanted, and miss out on essential time bonding with my baby!) x

[redcrx]

perhaps going back to work, even part time will be better than the stress and upset of mortgage arreers. Its nice to be able to choose not to work but as youve found its just not always possible.

[redcrx]

and no, Im sorry, i dont think they are being unfair really.

[bednobs]

pretty essential to have a roof over your baby's head i would ahve thought, rather than "bonding" time

[sara3]

perhaps you should have checked this out before deciding to have a baby. your mortgage company have at least looked at your scenario, but they are only enforcing their rules.

[craft1948]

When I had my daughter (back in the dark ages) you didn't get SMP and I had to go back to work when my daughter was 6 weeks old. I was actually very lucky that my employer held my job open for me as there was no legal requirement for him to do so; so whilst I think it's nice to have bonding time I don't consider it essential.

[ummmm]

How old is the child?

Yes I do think they are being unreasonable. They say to always stay in touch and let them know any changes...then they don't try and help. Sometimes it would appear you're better off burying your head in the sand...

[dotty.]

ring these people tomorrow and ask for help and advice:
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/
They are not out to take money off you for helping you either

[redcrx]

from other posts, ummm, almost 6 months old

[boxtops]

I think you have to go back to work, nini - in this current climate, having a job is a bonus. Don't risk having no house.

[dotty.]

No county court would allow any mortgage company to execute and eviction warrent with a child involved like this, especially if there has been this kind of contact between both parties. The possession order, if applied for, might be granted but would be suspended.

[ummmm]

Oh right...

[Postdog]

Can't really help except to say I hope you can sort something. That said I was with you all the way until you revealed that you have existing arrears, and with that in mind you can't really blame them for making a stand to reduce losses. You may be the most honest trustworthy person in the world, but to them it's all a question of will they get the money that is owed. But under your circumstances would a visit to the CAB be an idea.

[owdhamer]

Your situation is of your own making, but in your defence you would have recieved more sympathy from your lender before the big bank b___s up.

[ummmm]

I agree with Dotty...

[dotty.]

The CAB would just pass her to the National Debt Helpline, who are her best option at this stage

[sara3]

but surely it would still be best to get back to work to try to alleviate such financial problems.

[maclarencat]

I do feel for you. I agree they say talk to us then when you do they say not our problem. A few years ago I had kidney cancer and was off work ill. I asked for a payment break for a couple of months until I felt I could return they refused so I had to go back to work even though I wasnt fit. So I think I have to agree with others on here it looks like you should go back . They dont really listen.

[Buenchico]

Does the lender have a High Street presence? If so, call at your local branch, clutching the letter you've received, and ask to see the manager. You might get a better response from a 'real person' rather than what is, in effect, an automated system of responses.

Also, look through here for information, advice and links to other sources of advice:
http://england.shelte...sion/mortgage_arrears
Take particular notice of the links on the left ('Preventing Court Action', etc).

Chris

[boxtops]

I asked about a payment break when OH was made redundant - I was dismayed to learn that they wouldn't add the extra on the end of the term, they just wanted to hike up the repayments to keep the term the same. I carried on as I was, the extra payments were too much.

[Nini74]

thanks all. I know you're right and that i'll just have to go back to work sooner than i'd hoped - its just a shame that my mortgage company gets to dictate this for me. Dotty, i know that no possession order is likely (and if any, it would be suspended), but that said, I don't want to get dragged through the courts, and have to pay their costs, for the sake of another 2 months off.

I just wanted a rant, and a little support - job done now! thanks again all x