Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Yea I know, but when you're on benefits, it's not easy to afford a solicitors fees.

My dad's also retired on a limited pension.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

I understand that. Then at least go and visit your local CAB. They are likely to be better informed than a bunch of blokes on a web forum dedicated to Cable matters*.

* There's no doubt some people here will be fairly well informed, but you've only got their word for it. CAB exists for matters like this.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

being on benefits doesnt matter in this, you can get legal aid or at least go to your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau for their advice.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Heh yea, good idea
Didn't think of the CAB for some reason.
Thanks..again.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Why not make an appointment to see a local solicitor?
The first half hour is free.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

First hour with most solicitors I believe...

Keep an eye on the clock though

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

We don't have many options unfortunatly, as we're all on the same contract/mortgage.

The only options that Citizens advice were able to offer, were...

1) Sell the house, before it's to late
2) See #1

They didn't seem to be able to offer much in the way of options, but they did sympathise with our plight, but as we already knew, we took the risk when he moved in with us.

Today we had a confrontation, as the mortgage company informed me they'd sent us three letters for each month there was a late payment, we only got one.

We also requested statements, twice, which were sent by registered/signed for post, neither showed up.

Why? Because my uncle is the one who rushes to the door when the mail arrives, we suspect he's been taking the mail and has been since September.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

You need to make sure you get to the postman before he does. It's 2 against 1 so you should be able to get to the postman before he does.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

I have found 2 options that may help with your mail issue which would ensure you see the mail that matters.

The first is Mail Collect.

The second is a PO BOX

Have you thought about setting up a PO BOX with the Post Office which costs from £60 for six months.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

If (and it sounds like it is) it's a joint mortgage, then any correspondence would be addressed jointly to all mortgage holders, recorded delivery, PO box or whatever. Thus he'd be as entitled to get it as any other party.

If your in debt, your not going to fork out for a PO box to compound stuff.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Yea the mortgage stuff comes through with all three of our names on, so it wouldn't make any difference. :(

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Does your Mortgage Company have an on-line facility with which you could register in order to view the payments being made? I know that some banks that can be used on-line include any mortgage you hold with them so that it can be checked in the same way as you would do with your other bank accounts.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Make an appointment with your mortgage lender (make sure your uncle knows nothing about it)and ask them in advance to have copies of every correspondence they have already posted to your address ready for you to view at that meeting.Tell them the absolute truth that you suspect your uncle is defrauding you of your contributions to the mortgage and is there any way to leave him out of the equation such as you and your father pay increased contributions to cover what hasn't been paid.If it was me I'd have made sure I was first to the post man every time AND I'd have contacted the mortgage lender directly long before this.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Maggy's suggestion is the best to consider.

The most important thing to do is pay the mortgage if you can, as this will keep things in your control. The mortgage lenders will help you stay where you are, as they would rather have regular payments than a property to sell with all the bad publicity it brings.

If as you suspect he has other debts, these will be his sole responsibility. As far as these are concerned the companies involved may well refer the debts to a collection agency who may apply for a CCJ. Once this has been done if payments are not acceptable or not regularly made they may ask for a "charging order" against his share of the property. This would only come into effect once the property is sold.

Provided the mortgage is paid they cannot force you to sell, as these debts are not secured against the property.

Re: Need some housing advice.
 

Adam you really do need to go to a solicitor. Yes, it may cost you, but at least you will have someone fighting your corner. There could be a number of different angles they can approach. Perhaps his duty of care to inform you of any changes in the mortgage payments, for example.