If you are getting advice from a specialist debt adviser or an independent advice agency, let your lender know. An adviser may be able to negotiate with the lender on your behalf.

Lenders do not generally want to repossess your home, especially if you can show that you are taking action and are genuinely trying to come up with a reasonable solution to your debt problem.

While you’re organising your finances, you may want to ask your lender to freeze the interests on your arrears, as well as any fees and charges for late payments. Be aware this will not be a permanent arrangement – if the lender agrees to freezing interest and charges, this will be only until you’re in a position to make an offer based on your financial statement.

If you’re communicating with your lender in writing, you may want to check out our letter generator – we’ve uploaded some letter samples to help you keep in touch.

Your lender should need to give you an opportunity at repaying your arrears – this is now dictated by the pre-action protocol for possession proceedings, a requirement for all lenders to make repossession a last resort.

If your landlord rushes to repossess your home and is not making any effort to allow you to repay your arrears in a reasonable manner, it may be that the lender is not adhering to the FSA guidelines. Discuss this with an adviser or visit the Financial Services Authority website for further information on the protocol.

Find out the steps you can take to prevent repossession of your home. Download the Mortgage Debt Advice Service Tips & Contact leaflet with information on dealing with mortgage arrears.